Does Hydrotherapy Improve Shoulder Abduction in Post-mastectomy Patients?

Background and purpose: Mastectomy is the surgical removal of one or both breasts, partially or completely. Cancer rehabilitation involves focusing on physical function while concurrently maximizing psychological function. Hydrotherapy is the use of water in treating diseases. The study aimed to clarify the effectiveness of hydrotherapy in improving shoulder abduction as well as shoulder pain and disability in post mastectomy female patients. Subjects: Thirty patients with unilateral mastectomy shared in the current study. Their age ranged from39 to 49 years old. They were assigned randomly into two equal groups. The first group was the control group treated by conventional physical therapy exercises (range of motion exercises) for 6 weeks three sessions weekly and the session lasts up to 20 minutes. While the second group (treatment group) was treated by underwater exercises three times weekly and up to 6 weeks, the session extends to 20 minutes. Assessment was carried out by using student t-test before starting the treatment course and after 6 weeks of treatment. Results: revealed that a significant difference between pre and post treatment measures; shoulder abduction range, Shoulder pain and disability index in both groups as (p<0.05) for all measures, also there was significant difference in post treatment measures; shoulder abduction, Shoulder pain and disability index between both groups as (p<0.05) for all measures. Conclusion: underwater exercises have a great role in improving shoulder abduction as well as pain and disability in post mastectomy female patients.