An estimated $8.1 billion is spent each year in America on various treatment options for breast cancer. Even more staggering is that, according to the National Cancer Institute, 12.7 percent of American women born today will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some point in their lives. NCI, along with other agencies, promote participation in physical activity as general cancer prevention and overall health management, and Pilates can play a major role in this regimen.
Common Concerns and Side Effects
Typical side effects of breast cancer treatment may include swelling, tenderness, fatigue, infection, irritation and adhesions from scar tissue near the surgical area. Muscular imbalances, rotator cuff stress, lymphedema (swelling of the lymph node near armpit), sarcopenia (muscle loss) and early-onset osteoporosis are all side effects from chemotherapy and breast cancer treatments. Pilates may offer a gentle approach to offset these symptoms.
Pilates and Breast Cancer
The benefits of participating in a Pilates program during treatment as well as post-operatively may help to restore energy, range of motion and strength. The focus on shoulder girdle stabilization, core conditioning and breathing in a low-impact format makes Pilates a perfect approach for any breast cancer patient.
The Pilates rehabilitation process is a stepwise approach of slow and steady progression beginning with fundamentals such as breathing, core strength, shoulder and pelvic stability. The first few sessions will be dedicated to gaining proficiency in the basic principles and building a new physical foundation. The next phase involves developing strength through the core and shoulder. There are a variety of props and equipment that a trained Pilates instructor can use to assist in making the conditioning process as comfortable as possible and enhance neuromuscular integration.
Benefits
The benefits of exercise during cancer treatment include enhanced self-esteem, stress reduction, muscle conditioning, flexibility, joint mobility, energy and stamina. The benefits are physical as well as emotional. Moving the body and feeling empowered helps to bolster spirits and alleviate feelings associated with depression. It is well documented in the literature that exercise releases endorphins, "happy hormones," which elevate mood. Although recommended progression is slow and steady, the ability to return to some level of normalcy and vitality is a key element of healing. Pilates can be a part of that equation.
Recommendations
Making your Pilates instructor part of your allied health care team can facilitate better communication between practitioners creating a seamless plan for healing. Working with a professional instructor as part of a supervised program is also a safer option when beginning to exercise as therapy. Supervised exercise can be structured on an individual one-on-one session with your instructor or sharing session time with two or more participants. If you do choose to workout in a group setting that is not specialized, make sure that you communicate your health status to your instructor so she may better assist you.
Resources
Resources are available online to help you create the Pilates program to best suit your needs. You can locate an instructor in your area and learn more about the Pilates method and buy books and DVDs. Associations and organizations such as the Pilates Method Alliance, Stott Pilates, Power Pilates, IDEA Fitness, The National Cancer Institute, The Susan G. Komen Foundation and The American Cancer Society, to name a few, are able to provide more information on physical activity guidelines.
