Cancer treatment often has many troubling side effects, which can result in decreased function and quality of life. These side effects include: fatigue, pain, weakness, lymphedema, swelling, peripheral neuropathy, scar tissue formation, and difficulty with ambulation. Physical therapy can help patients return to normal function as well as boost immune response and help minimize the risk of complications.
As a physical therapist who is a breast cancer survivor, I have a unique perspective regarding the benefits of physical therapy for breast cancer patients. After bilateral mastectomy and reconstruction, (in my case, deep inferior epigastric perforators (DIEP) flap surgery), PT was instrumental in helping me resume a normal life. Manual therapy to my neck, shoulders, and thoracic spine helped restore range of motion and 
relieve discomfort. Scar mobilization minimized soft-tissue restriction and allowed for normal breathing and nerve mobility. Postural exercise/strengthening helped increase blood flow and restore strength for activities of daily living (ADLs).
I was fortunate to have no lymph node involvement, but for patients who do, PTs can help minimize swelling/lymphedema with specialized hands-on treatment, wrapping, compression garments, and patient education.
Besides hands-on treatment, education and instruction from a physical therapist can assist breast cancer patients to safely and properly progress back to normal activity. A program, individualized for each patient, can help breast cancer patients return to their lives with hope that they can return to their prior level of function.
References
American Cancer Society
Alice Kahl has worked in the field of orthopedics and sports medicine for 29 years and specializes in helping patients recover faster than with average care. She feels blessed to be able to help people live healthier, more active and more productive lives. She owns Alice Kahl Integrative Physical Therapy in Orange Country, CA. Visit her website, alicekahlpt.com
The Mayo Clinic defines “Arthritis” as inflammation of one or more joints, whose main symptoms are joint pain and stiffness. The two most common forms of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis (OA) is typically caused by wear and tear, and is often termed “degenerative change.” Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder.
Nearly all of us will have OA as we age and wear down our joints. That does not mean, however, that we must have pain. There are plenty of folks who have significant evidence of arthritis but zero to minimal discomfort. If we can avoid aggravating our arthritic joints, (i.e. minimize inflammation), we can often limit our misery.
The goal of arthritis treatment is primarily to reduce symptoms of pain, inflammation, and swelling. Physical therapists accomplish this in various ways, including manual (hands-on) techniques, exercise (painfree gentle movement, often in gravity-reduced or eliminated situations like on a stationary bike or in water), and modalities (ice, heat, electrical stimulation, etc.). PTs also educate patients re: prevention and management of symptoms, joint protection (with splints, braces, etc.), and use of assistive devices (crutches, walkers, canes). Exercise consists of range-of-motion exercise to maintain joint mobility and strengthening exercises to improve joint stability.
Each patient may respond differently, so the key is to find out what works best for each individual and go from there.
References: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research