Breast cancer is now considered a chronic condition. Currently, the American Cancer Society estimates that approximately 3 million women in the U.S. presently live with breast cancer, about 2.3 million have been recently diagnosed with breast cancer and about 1 million do not yet know they have the disease.
The Pilates Methodology, therapeutically applied, is an excellent medium to guide these growing populations undergoing a life-altering experience. Meet the pressing need of clients living with breast cancer. Learn specific applications in the Pilates environment aimed at the skilled intervention level of understanding this special population. Discover how you can facilitate the rehabilitation of reconstruction procedures and avoid lymphedema risks.
Specific contraindications to Pilates and the benefits of Pilates will be explained. Course content also reviews structural assessment and current research on the positive rationale for exercise for cancer survivors. Guidelines on how to progress clients, avoid lymphedema, and prescribe a complete physical program will be explained. Manual treatments will be suggested and demonstrated as time permits. Psychosocial aspects related to working with clients with cancer will be discussed.
Mastectomy is often the tip of the iceberg in breast cancer survivorship. An enlarging population, many survivors need help in full arm and hand functionality due to fascial restrictions and muscle imbalances secondary to reconstructive procedures. Learn about the structural re-organization necessary to avoid the shoulder, arm and hand problems associated with the flap and implant reconstruction procedures along with specific avenues within the Pilates environment to address these issues.
Upon completion of this course participants will be able to:
- Perform an assessment to identify cancer treatment physical limitations, treatment’s secondary limitations, as well as differentially diagnose fatigue and pain syndromes.
- Describe and apply an evidence-based rationale for physical therapy intervention in the rehabilitation and post-rehabilitation phases for survivors.
- Safely apply guidelines and contraindications for therapeutic treatment.
- Perform a functional evaluation to identify core/trunk strength as well as weight-bearing (pelvic and lower extremity) movement dysfunctions.
- Define the Pilates Method and explain the benefits and differences between the popular Classic conditioning Method and the therapeutic application of the Method.
- Learn mat Pilates-based mat exercises appropriate for those undergoing acute treatment as well as those in chronic survivorship.
- Identify contraindications for Pilates/ exercise and plan appropriate treatments in the therapeutic application of the Pilates Method and its environment.
- Set up a home well-being program for managing the chronic condition of breast cancer survivorship.
- Prescribe a comprehensive post-rehabilitation physical program for breast cancer survivors.
For more information about this course, visit the calendar page.