Gallatin, TN (Oct. 23, 2023) — Every October, people from around the world put on their pink and show support for those affected by breast cancer. It is a month to raise awareness about the disease, encourage annual mammogram screenings and self-exams, and educate about breast cancer services.
Stephanie Page, MSPT, MBA, is a physical therapist at HighPoint Therapy Services at Sumner Station in Gallatin, Tennessee. While she has been treating women who have fought breast cancer for over 15 years, she is now uniquely certified as a KickPink Breast Cancer Practitioner. She is one of just three certified KickPink practitioners in the state and the only one in Sumner County.
Stephanie can assist with appropriate and safe exercise prescription, aid in the reduction of inflammation, and diminish post-surgical and joint pain. She educates patients on proper breathing techniques and performs scar tissue and joint mobilization.
“Until recently, there has been limited information available to physical therapists on the treatment of breast cancer patients, so when I saw this course was available, I jumped at it,” said Stephanie Page. “I have always noticed breast cancer patients would have a lumpectomy or mastectomy and then were sent to PT months later not able to move their arm(s). Now, more and more physicians are sending patients to PT much earlier to get their arms and scars moving in much fewer visits.”
KickPink is all about helping fighters and survivors of breast cancer heal their body, mind, and spirit. According to the KickPink organization, until these patients are told it is ok to move their arms and stretch limits after surgery, typically they refrain for fear it may cause harm. KickPink practitioners like Stephanie are able to help these patients get moving again as well as introduce other exercises that help with side effects from treatments. Meeting with a KickPink practitioner also allows the patients to have someone to talk to, ask questions, and makes for a smoother recovery.
“Breast cancer therapy is just one way we are continuing to advance our services for the Sumner County community,” said Suzanne Gaffney, Director of Rehabilitation Services at Sumner Regional Medical Center and Sumner Station. “Stephanie’s KickPink certification and the ability to provide individualized breast cancer therapy to survivors and fighters of the disease is something we are very proud to offer at HighPoint Therapy.”
Whether you are starting your breast cancer journey, in the middle or have finished some time ago and have any functional limitations from your surgery, chemo or radiation, physical therapy maybe your answer toward relief. Learn more at mysumnermedical.com/kick-pink-breast-cancer-therapy.
