Filling the Breast Cancer Survivor Gap of Care Through Pilates-Based Exercise

摘要

Women have a 1 in 8 chance of contracting breast cancer at some time in their lifetime and this risk increases with age. There is currently a lack of information regarding the amount of specific physical therapy or functional education resources for patients undergoing treatment after the stages of initial occurrence of diagnosis and medical treatment. In addition, depending on diagnosis and subsequent treatment protocols, patients experience a variety of side effects that limit functional ability. The Pilates Method can help bridge the care gap. The Pilates Method promotes body awareness and sensory reintegration and, depending on the level of expertise of the practitioner, can focus on specific corrective remedial exercises specifically designed to address limitations, weakness, and imbalance. As a result, the Pilates Method can be a valuable adjunct care facilitator in establishing a "new normal" of physical ability and integration for breast cancer survivors.