Efficacy of Shoulder wheel exercises and pain gone pen modality on the functional activity of shoulder joint post-mastectomy

Abstract

Background: After mastectomy and the accompanying excision or radiation of adjacent axillary lymph nodes, a patient is at risk of developing upper extremity lymphedema, shoulder pain and loss of shoulder motion which can be prevented or minimized by physical therapy modalities. Objective: to evaluate effectiveness of shoulder wheel range exercises and pain gone pen (PGP) modality on functional activity of shoulder joint post-mastectomy. Methods: Thirty adult women with shoulder pain following mastectomy were recruited from the National Cancer Institute in Cairo, Egypt. They were ranged in age from 40 to 55 years, split into two categories (control group A.) getting only conventional medical attention and (study group B.) who received physical therapy modalities plus the traditional medical treatment. We evaluated of the findings by used Visual analogue scale (VAS) and technical appraisal of the simple shoulder test (SST). Results: The results revealed a highly significant reduction in Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) (P<0.0001), and the mean value of the scores percentage of the functional assessment of the Simple Shoulder Test (SST), (P<0.0001) related to shoulder joint activities. Conclusion: Shoulder wheel range of motion exercises and pain gone pen PGP are useful in minimizing discomfort and enhancing the post-mastectomy functional operation of the shoulder joint.