APLICABILIDADE E BENEFÍCIOS DE RECURSOS FISIOTERAPÊUTICOS NO PÓS-OPERATÓRIO DE MULHERES COM CÂNCER DE MAMA

Abstract

Breast cancer is caused by a disordered development of abnormal cells in the breast region. Loss of range of motion and muscle strength in the upper limb homolateral to the neoplasm are the most common complications. Physiotherapy aims to improve the patient's functional capacity and return to the performance of activities that were impaired by the disease. The aim of this study was to understand the applicability and benefits of a physical therapy program in a breast cancer postoperative period. This is an integrative literature review carried out in PubMed, PeDro (Physiotherapy Evidence Database), SciELO and Virtual Health Library databases by combining the health descriptors: “breast cancer”, “postoperative” and “physical therapy” in English, Portuguese and Spanish. The PeDro scale was used as a tool for critical assessment of the methodological quality of the studies. The initial sample consisted of 386 articles and only 8 studies composed the result. Among the main benefits reported are: of movement, reduction of pain and lymphedema and improvement of functionality. The average score of the studies according to the PeDro scale was 7.12 points. A physical therapy program has beneficial effects in the short and medium term, bringing improvement in the amplitude of movement and functional capacity, reduction of pain and lymphedema, directly influencing the quality of life and bringing a better prognosis for women suffering from submitted to breast cancer surgery.