THE CONTRIBUTION OF HYDROTHERAPY AND SWIMMING TO POST-MASTECTOMY FUNCTIONAL REHABILITATION

Breast neoplasm represents an abnormal multiplication of epithelial cells in the breast ducts and mammary lobules; it manifests itself clinically by the appearance of a tumour which, if not treated in time, develops both locally and at tissue distance. Following treatment, patients with breast neoplasm complain of symptoms also present in other conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia, which can be treated with hydrotherapy. Exercises performed in water have a varied spectrum of applicability, for example, improving joint mobility, increasing muscle strength and reducing chronic pain. The exercises used have the role to improve muscle strength of the whole body, joint mobility and muscle elasticity, but also to facilitate muscle contraction. In this therapy concept, hydrostatic water pressure and buoyancy help apply exercises to a wide range of conditions such as orthopaedic, oncological, neurological and rheumatologic. The aim of this study is to verify the effectiveness of an aquatic exercise programme for improving upper limb function on the side of the surgery. The research included 5 participants aged between 33 and 39 years, with radical right mastectomy. The functional assessment consisted of three tests. After the final evaluation, the average value of each test decreased, which highlighted an improvement in the functional level of the upper limb. Hydrotherapy has a positive physiological and psychosocial effect because it stimulates socialisation and, in particular, the acceptance of the condition that these people face.