Effect of Early Intervention from Physical Therapy and Health Education on Functional Recovery after Radical Mastectomy: A Systematic Review
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Copyright (c) 2025 Mauricio Rodas Quintero, Jorge Guamán García, Jenniffer Correa, Juan Loor Marcillo, Valeria Bastidas López
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33821/798Keywords:
breast cancer, health education, physical therapy, exercise, benefits, rehabilitation, mastectomyAbstract
Introduction: Radical mastectomy, used in the treatment of locally advanced breast cancer, is frequently associated with physical and functional sequelae such as lymphedema, pain, limited shoulder mobility, and impaired quality of life. Early intervention through physical therapy and health education has proven to be a key strategy for preventing complications, promoting functional recovery, and improving patient autonomy. Objective: The purpose of this study is to analyze the scientific evidence on the benefits of early physical therapy and health education for post-radical mastectomy patients. Methodology: A systematic review based on a comprehensive search for information on the effect of early intervention with physical therapy and health education on functional recovery after radical mastectomy. The databases reviewed were: PubMed, Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), Web of Science, Cochrane, Global Cancer Observatory, and Lilacs; publications correspond to the last 10 years. Results: Sixty full- text scientific articles were evaluated, of which 23 met the inclusion criteria related to physical therapy interventions, therapeutic exercises, and health education in post- mastectomy patients. Early physical therapy showed an 85% reduction in postoperative pain, a 75% improvement in joint range of motion, and a 40% reduction in acute lymphedema. Health education increased adherence to rehabilitation treatment and patient autonomy. Conclusions: The combination of early physical therapy and health education strategies significantly improves functional recovery after radical mastectomy. Its implementation in hospital oncology units could contribute to strengthening evidence- based clinical practice.
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