A new exercise program to help people get back on their feet after breast cancer treatment and reduce the incidence of developing Lymphoedema is being delivered at the Noosa Physiotherapy Centre.
The Strength ABC (After Breast Cancer) program is an evidence-based rehabilitative exercise program designed for breast cancer survivors to make them feel stronger, more confident and have less upper body symptoms.
Centre musculoskeletal and lymphoedema physiotherapist Caroline Kohl said she ofter hears clients saying they’re not fit enough to do an
exercise program or they don’t know where to start.
“The good news is you don’t have to have a certain level of fitness to start the program, women of any age, any fitness level and as early as two months post surgery can participate,” she said.
Participants will learn how to safely and effectively progress through the exercises.
Supported all the way until they feel confident to continue the program by themselves in
the comfort of their own home or continue in a class.
Most participants are eligible for a chronic disease management plan through
medicare from their GP which will help pay towards the program.
Caroline said research showed cancer treatment to be the most common cause of Lymphoedema, affecting 20-30 per cent of
breast cancer survivors. She said patients treated for
melanoma, gynecological and prostate cancer have been identified as being at risk of
developing Lymphoedema.
A free information day will be held at Noosa Physiotherapy Centre on 19 March from 4-6pm. Phone 5447 3312.
