Services

Occupational Therapy

Our Occupational Therapy services aim to reduce the side effects of Breast Cancer treatments and Lymphedema.
Occupational Therapists and Lymphedema Specialists look beyond the swelling.

‍Integrative Healing Therapies treats more than abnormal swelling. We specialize in rehabilitation for Breast Cancer survivors by partnering with them at every step of their journey. The goal of Breast Cancer rehab is to reduce physical, emotional, and psychosocial suffering. This suffering can take the form of depression, anxiety, fear, post-traumatic stress disorder, negative image perception, along with pain and physical limitations. The cancer journey isn’t only about surviving; it’s about thriving and becoming a better version of yourself!
Patient at doctor's office wearing a pink robe.

Breast Cancer Rehabilitation

Will I ever feel normal again?
Many women who have received breast cancer treatment ask this.‍
Breast Cancer and its treatment can have several physical effects on your body and lifestyle. You might experience pain, scar adhesions, soft tissue tightness, decreased range of motion, Lymphedema, axillary webbing (cording), mood changes, discomfort, fatigue, and other changes to your body. These changes may affect you emotionally, mentally, and physically. Stress and anxiety about the cancer journey can also negatively impact your body.

Women with breast cancer who have undergone breast surgery risk developing Lymphedema, abnormal posture, myofascial restrictions, pain, and upper extremity weakness. At Integrative Healing Therapies, we understand that you are more than your cancer diagnosis. Your treatment plan will take a holistic approach to address your concerns and restore your quality of life. Integrative Healing Therapies can assist patients from diagnosis to survivorship!
Occupational Therapy can be ADVANTAGEOUS for Breast Cancer patients to:
Eliminate Post-Mastectomy Pain
Decrease Fibrosis
Reduce Scar Adhesions
Reduce Stress
Overcome Negative Body Image
Promote Positive Self-Talk
Relieve Lymphedema Symptoms
Improve Shoulder Strength
Minimize Anxiety
Assist with Coping Strategies
Alleviate Post-Surgical & Radiation Inflammation
Ease Muscle & Soft Tissue Tightness
Resolve Axillary Web Syndrome (Cording)
Enhance Functional Range of Motion
Decrease the Side Effects of Cellulitis

Occupational Therapy During Breast Cancer Treatments

select an option:
Radiation
Reconstruction
Chemotherapy

Radiation

Breast swelling, inflammation, burning, and itching are common side effects of radiation. Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) will assist with decreasing inflammation and swelling. This reduces discomfort and side effects associated with radiation. Education on range of motion and soft tissue manipulation is offered for the prevention of radiation scarring and fibrosis. Instruction is also provided on lymphedema preventative techniques for long-term home management success.

Reconstruction

During the reconstruction phase, Occupational Therapy can provide the following benefits:
Softening Tissue During Skin Expansion
Improving Scar Tissue Adhesions on Existing Implants
Reducing Scar Tissue Adhesions
Eliminating Post- Surgical Inflammation/Edema
Decreasing Pain
Enhancing Functional Range of Motion
Eliminating Axillary Webbing (Cording)
Diminishing Symptoms of Lymphedema
Axillary Webbing (Cording)
Range of Motion Limitations

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is a drug treatment that uses powerful chemicals to damage or kill cancer cells. The dead cancer cells and unused chemo leaves the body through bodily fluids. This often can be in the form of nausea and vomiting.

During chemotherapy patients are encouraged to drink plenty of water to flush out the remaining dead cancer cells and unused chemo from the body as fast as possible. One of the main functions of the lymphatic system is to remove these toxins from your body.  
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Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) can speed up the removal of these toxins. Thus decreasing the negative side effects of the chemo.  MLD stimulates the movement of lymph fluid to pick up waste and infectious agents from the body. Lymphatic drainage also improves immune function and promotes healing. This is vital as chemo can compromise the immune system.

Lymphedema

Lymphedema, or abnormal swelling, is the accumulation of fluid beneath the skin. It can be found in any part of the body but it is most common in the extremities. Lymphedema is a chronic condition that can be successfully managed with the proper interventions. Breast Cancer survivors can develop Lymphedema from having lymph nodes removed, scarring, or complications of surgeries or radiation. Up to 30% increased lymphatic fluid can build up before seeing signs of swelling. The early stages of Lymphedema are often tightness across the chest or a heavy sensation in the arm or chest after breast surgery.

Because you had breast surgery doesn’t mean it’s normal to have chest tightness or discomfort. Lymphatic treatment can reduce these symptoms. Don’t settle for only being cancer free; strive to be pain-free and live your best life!

‍If you suffer from abnormal swelling that is not resolved by the use of diuretics or elevation, Lymphedema treatment is for you. Integrative Healing Therapies specializes in upper extremity Lymphedema. We offer exceptional care for eliminating swelling and providing positive outcomes for patients. Our Certified Lymphedema Therapist specializes in hands-on techniques to stimulate lymph vessels and promote drainage of excessive fluid in the tissue. Lymphatic Enhancement Technology accompanies MLD, enhancing lymphatic movement with vibrational energy.

Integrative Healing Therapies treats a variety of health conditions associated with lymphatic dysfunction. Learn more on our Lymphatic Enhancement Technology page.
Example of Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema.
For more information on Breast Cancer-related Lymphedema, visit the National Lymphedema Network.

Project Pink'd

Project Pink’d is a non-profit organization dedicated to Breast Cancer thrivers. Their mission statement is: From the moment of diagnosis through end of life, Project Pink'd, Inc. provides tools, resources and a strong network to strengthen and renew the mind, body and spirit of breast cancer survivors in Nebraska and Western Iowa.

Survivors Unite Facebook Community

Project Pink’d has a private Facebook groupwhere women can empower and lift each other. If you want to connect with an abundance of support and resources, be sure to join this community.
Project Pink'd Survivors Unite Facebook

Ask An Expert

The Project Pink’d website features an educational section called “Straight Talk: Ask an Expert.” Here, survivors can learn about all aspects of the healing journey and find answers to their frequently asked questions.
Project Pink'd Ask an Expert

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12702 Westport Pkwy, Suite #101,
La Vista, NE 68138

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