Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Post-mastectomy, lumpectomy, or lymph node removal patients can experience:

• Loss of mobility and strength (Stiffness)

• Scar tissue formation, limiting movement in the arm or shoulder

• Adhesive Capsulitis (Frozen shoulder)

The shoulder is a complex assembly of multiple joints, allowing for flexion and extension, abduction and adduction, internal and external rotation, elevation and depression, and protraction and retraction. Maintaining a functional range of motion in the shoulder is essential for independent activities of daily living, such as eating, dressing, bathing, and driving.

Exercises to maintain shoulder range of motion (ROM) and mobility are often prescribed post-surgery. Most conditions that cause stiffness respond well to stretch therapy for motion restoration and offer pain relief. A clinical study appearing in Biomechanics by Robert Donatelli, Ph.D., PT, Joseph S. Wilkes, MD, Will Hall, PT, DPT, and Steve Cole, Ph.D. compared a physical therapy program alone with a physical therapy program and the use of a static progressive orthosis.

Study Conclusion: “Using the JAS shoulder device in conjunction with manual physical therapy has a significant effect on improving external rotation and elevation.“

Ask your clinician about the use of a JAS device in conjunction with physical therapy for expedited rehabilitation.