Occupational/Physical Therapy to Reduce Morbidity Post-Operative Bilateral Breast Reconstruction

The Use of Occupational/Physical Therapy to Reduce Upper Extremity Morbidity Post-Operative Bilateral Breast Reconstruction

The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the benefits of a structured occupational/physical therapy program on upper extremity morbidity for patients who have received bilateral breast reconstruction in comparison to a home therapy program and no post-operative therapy.

Hypothesis: Patients who engage in therapist-supervised occupational therapy following bilateral breast reconstruction have less upper extremity morbidity than those patients who complete a home therapy program or no therapy program.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age ≥ 18 years of age
• Women who have had bilateral breast reconstruction
• All cancer stages will be included
• Physically and mentally able to participate in the study within the required time-frame
• Able to voluntarily give full informed consent to participate in the study

Exclusion Criteria:

• Women undergoing unilateral breast reconstruction
• Unable to provide informed consent in English
• Physically unable to engage in the protocol