Physiotherapists' experiences of managing upper limb movement impairments due to breast cancer treatment

: Physiotherapy is recommended for upper limb movement impairments (ULMI) following breast cancer treatment. There is limited research into the pathophysiology and management of ULMI. Care is provided in different health-care contexts by specialist and nonspecialist physiotherapists, with referrals...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Physiotherapy theory and practice 2020-01, Vol.36 (1), p.71-84
Main Authors: Kenyon, MRes, PT, Karen, Hebron, PhD, PT, Clair, Vuoskoski, PhD, PT, Pirjo, McCrum, DProf, PT, Carol
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Breast cancer
Cancer therapies
Health care
Interpretative phenomenological analysis
Medical personnel
Medical referrals
Pathophysiology
Physical therapists
Physiotherapy
Psychosocial factors
Qualitative research
Quality of life
Treatment methods
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Summary:: Physiotherapy is recommended for upper limb movement impairments (ULMI) following breast cancer treatment. There is limited research into the pathophysiology and management of ULMI. Care is provided in different health-care contexts by specialist and nonspecialist physiotherapists, with referrals set to increase. This study explores physiotherapists' experiences of managing ULMI. : Qualitative study using a hermeneutic phenomenological approach. : We interviewed six physiotherapists from various UK treatment settings. The data were analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. : Four master themes were identified: (1) lack of confidence surrounds various aspects of practice, influenced by limited evidence to guide treatment of ULMI, fear of causing harm, and working in a less-established area of physiotherapy; (2) increasing confidence in practice develops with experience, reinforcing perceptions of the benefits of physiotherapy; (3) physiotherapy is understood to empower and enable patients to regain their sense of self and quality of life; and (4) provision of care is perceived to be subject to many barriers. : Physiotherapy for ULMI has professional challenges but is seen as beneficial, encompassing psychosocial and physical effects. Experiences in this area of practice suggest a need for increased professional support, further research to guide treatment, and better patient and health professional awareness of ULMI and the role of physiotherapy.
ISSN:0959-3985
1532-5040
DOI:10.1080/09593985.2018.1480077