physical medicine and rehabilitation resident AJA University of Medical Sciences tehran, Tehran, Iran
Objectives : Owing to novel diagnostic and therapeutic breakthroughs, breast cancer mortality has declined so its comorbidities have become the main domains of a rehabilitation committee led by a PMR specialist concluding to assessment and treatment of musculoskeletal and functional disorders in order to improve survivors’ quality of life. However, physiatrists ’contribution in cancer treatment is neglected. Literature shows only few percent of oncological patients are referred to PMR clinics.
Design: This narrative review involved a comprehensive search of selected keywords across PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and ScienceDirect. Relevant articles published up to May 2025 were retrieved, screened, and analyzed.
Results: A physiatrist is able to cooperate in every stage of cancer treatment program. Breast cancer related lymphedema (BCRL) is a serious complication associated with cancer management requiring early apprehension and treatment under the supervision of physiatrists. Combined physical therapy, systematic exercise programs, extracorporeal shock wave therapy, low level laser therapy, pharmacological agents are utilized in PMR clinics for BCRL management. Related musculoskeletal issues compromise of upper limb pain, diminished shoulder range of motion and bursitis would be managed by manual therapy, classified exercise programs and injections. Peripheral neuropathy is screened for the possible risk factors, diagnosed with electrodiagnostic study and managed by drugs, physical and exercise therapy, acupuncture and neurofeedback.
Conclusion: The breast cancer survivors encounter comorbidities managed in every step of the treatment by a PMR specialist. This article aims to summarize principal roles of physiatry in breast cancer rehabilitation services to target knowledge blank spaces and guide future surveys.
