Strength after Breast Cancer
Breast Cancer Rehabilitation Therapist, Rachel Yochim, explains how her training as an occupational therapist and specialty work in treating lymphedema benefits patients and survivors of breast cancer.
Breast Cancer Health: Therapy Mission
“Through education, rehabilitation, exercise, and emotional support, we strive to empower our patients diagnosed with cancer to maintain and improve their quality of life during and following cancer treatments.” – Coleman 1999
Pre-operative Screening:
1 week prior to surgery
- To provide education to reduce the RISK or PREVENTION of lymphedema, seroma formation, axillary web syndrome (AWS or Cording), bone-density decline, weight gain, fatigue, and breast cancer recurrence.
- Assessment of relevant baseline measures prior to surgery: Upper-extremity range of motion, baseline posture, arm circumference, function, weight (BMI), and level of activity / exercise.
Post-operative Screening:
3-4 weeks after surgery
Assessment of post-operative issues such as reduced ROM, joint restrictions and function, post-op edema and lymphedema, postural dysfunction, hematomas, axillary web syndrome, scar adhesions, seromas, scapular winging/ weakness, and movement compensation.
Rehabilitation:
- Preventative
- Restorative
- Supportive
Breast Cancer Rehabilitation Therapist: Rachel Yochim, MSOT, OTR/L, CLT
Occupational Therapist, Rachel Yochim, MSOT, OTR/L, CLT, has furthered her education to specialize in lymphedema management with a focus on the breast cancer population. She also specializes in pregnancy and post-partum corrective exercises with Women’s Health breastfeeding therapy. She has completed specialty course work to receive certifications from the following organizations:
- Klose Training: Certified Lymphedema Therapist, 2020 & Breast Cancer Rehabilitation, 2021
- Herman and Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute: Breastfeeding Conditions
Contact Women's Health Therapies
Please contact Women’s Health Therapy, your surgeon, oncologist, or primary care physician for a referral. We can help provide supportive treatment and education for a healthy YOU!
Phone and Fax:
- Phone: 814-373-2075
- Fax referrals to: 814-333-5668
Within Grove Street Facility
Women’s Health Therapies are located in room 122 at Meadville Medical Center’s Grove Street Facility. Follow the signs upon entering through the main doors!
Women's Health Therapy Services
Breastfeeding
Meadville Medical Center’s Women’s Health Therapies provides education, treatment, and intervention for breastfeeding and pumping support to restore normal, pain-free breastfeeding and/or pumping.
Pelvic Rehabilitation
Pelvic rehabilitation therapy at Meadville Medical Center addresses dysfunctions in the pelvis that may be strained, weakened, or painful to restore normal, pain-free function of the pelvic floor.
Pregnancy Rehabilitation
Pregnancy and postpartum rehabilitation therapy addresses common areas of pain and dysfunction that arise during pregnancy and after childbirth. These services will assist with restoring the body to its pre-pregnancy status.
Women's Health Therapies Location
