Week 4: Testimonials
Physical Therapy continues to be a questionable treatment option for women who are post-mastectomy, augmentation, or with large breasts. It is highly misunderstood where physical therapists can enhance the recovery process and help to minimize pain. In the past, it was believed that PT was too aggressive for this type of procedure; however, at TOPS, we have shown multiple times that we understand the recovery process and how to be a catalyst for faster, safer recovery.
Here are some of the testimonials of women who have utilized our physical therapy techniques, and their personal road to recovery:
Undergoing any major surgery usually requires some sort of physical therapy to regain normal life. Normal life for some may not include exercise and adventures but for many of us it does! As a competitive swimmer, lover of bikram yoga and pharmacist, I need my brain and body to be in pristine condition for best performance. My personal goals and patient’s lives depend upon it. Being genetically predisposed to having a 90% chance of breast cancer and 50% chance of ovarian cancer, I knew the best choice for me was to prevent my breast cancer by having a double mastectomy. This came with reconstruction and 4-6 weeks of inactivity besides walking. In order to restore normal life, I sought the expertise of Amy and Chad at TOPS. Since the new implants pull on your muscle you want to prevent forward rotation and injury to the shoulder, or extra weight and pressure on the spine. Having a strong core and the manual techniques from TOPS helped me regain my pull-ups and all around ability as a swimmer within 6 months of surgery. I would not be where I am today without them. The staff and experience are TOP notch!
-Lindsey U.
Over a year ago, I was diagnosed with a cancerous nodule in my breast. Rather than worrying, I decided to have a double mastectomy, which I thought was going to be an easier process than I discovered it was. Both physically and emotionally. I sought treatment from Amy after my removal surgery, while I was going through my emotional rollercoaster. Amy helped me regain the ability to reach the top shelves in my cabinet and do my hair. After many tearful PT appointments, she supported my decision for a replacement, which I was not initially going to get. This was a longer process than I had imagined, but Amy helped me through it all. My breast tissue was uneven, so my implants were uneven. As you could imagine, this took again, more emotional toll than I was prepared for. Amy helped me regain my shoulder strength and mobility, not to mention my confidence. I am forever indebted to Amy and will always have a place in my heart for her.
-Dawn B.
Many years ago, I had a boob job that I have now learned is more than I should have done. I started getting really bad headaches, neck pain, shoulder pain, and pain into my arms. I thought it was carpal tunnel and migraines, and many doctors told me the same. I also was told I needed surgery on my neck. My daughter got treatment from Amy and Chad, so I decided to see if they could help me. I never thought it could be from the weight of my boobs, but it seems to be the case. Amy and Chad have worked on my back and neck to help take away that pain. They stretched my chest and sometimes used the awful blue scrapers on me too. In the end, it really helped with my pain. I now know that if I decide to do surgery, I will only get my boobs smaller and not mess with my neck or spine like other doctors told me to do. I appreciate their honesty and willingness to go against what I believed to be my problem.
-Karen J.
