Kimmie Jonceski, a breast cancer patient was advised by her physiotherapist to keep her arms and shoulders moving after surgery.
She said that after that, there was no follow-up check-up.
Ms. Jonceski said that she has a dancing background and she’s used to the things she does. However, she acknowledges that this could not be easy for all.
She expressed disbelief after learning that medical professionals do not recommend physio care after a surgical operation connected with breast cancer.
Major breast cancer surgeries require follow-ups
Deirdre McGhee, a breast cancer researcher said that Ms. Jonceski’s experience with the lack of physiotherapy access is common across Australia.
Mr. McGhee, an alumnus of University of Wollongong said that physiotherapy rehabilitation is necessary for patients who had undergone major breast cancer surgery.
This could be an instrumental factor for the overall recovery of the patient and he believes that patients should know it.
Painful side-effects
Many patients of breast cancer experience painful side effects.
After six months from the surgery, 20 to 40 per cent of the patients reported disturbed sleep and shoulder issues.
Almost 60 percent of them struggled to perform physical activities.
Increasing the awareness of the role of physiotherapy for breast cancer patients could help many women deal with the problems that come along with breast cancer surgery.
