Tensegrity: A Novel Conceptual Framework for Rehabilitation of Functional Deficits for Breast Cancer Survivors

Abstract

The current approach to breast cancer rehabilitation is currently narrowly focused on addressing resultant problems such as lymphedema or shoulder pain. Referrals to rehabilitation are reactive responses to these problems. Taking a step back and looking at the breast cancer intervention in totality, it becomes apparent that steps could be taken to minimize or actually prevent some of the ensuing functional problems by proactively treating a breast cancer survivor. Rather than waiting for problems to arise, immediately post-intervention or ideally pre-intervention and throughout intervention referral of an individual to rehabilitation could provide a supportive role in the functional progression of the patient. Furthermore, while most orthopedic rehabilitation focuses on the function of a particular joint, with the extensive impact of the breast cancer treatments on the soft tissue of the body without any specific intervention at a joint, it is imperative that we begin to shift our rehabilitation approach to focusing on the alterations of the soft tissue prior to addressing any functional limitations in the joints, with the most common victim being the shoulder joint. This novel approach to breast cancer rehabilitation suggests initially addressing soft tissue limitations. As these limitations begin to resolve as optimally as possible, secondary consideration is then given to functional limitations of a joint such as the shoulder joint.