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Beaumont Seeks Volunteers For Breast Cancer Shoulder Study

Beaumont Hospital and Oakland University are conducting a research study to examine shoulder problems following breast cancer surgery and the effect of physical therapy on shoulder function.

"This study will help physicians and physical therapists better understand the effects of breast cancer treatments on shoulder function and the impact of physical therapy intervention in women with shoulder dysfunction after cancer treatment," said John Maltese, M.D., director, physical medicine and rehabilitation, Beaumont Hospital, Troy.

To be eligible for the study, individuals must be women ages 30 to 70 who have had breast cancer, and have been treated with radiation and/or axillary lymph node dissection surgical procedures in the last year, and who have been referred to physical therapy for shoulder complaints. Also sought are women ages 30 to 70 who have never had breast cancer, shoulder pain or other known health issues.

Participants who qualify will receive standard physical therapy care, prescribed by their physicians. Researchers will document and study their initial shoulder function and progress made with physical therapy. Members of the control group (no symptoms or previous surgery) will have a one-time shoulder examination which will last approximately two hours. Participants will be reimbursed for some travel costs.

For more information, including eligibility, call Janet Seidell, Physical Therapy, (248) 964-4011.

Beaumont Health System offers rehabilitation services at more than a dozen locations in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties. Care is provided by board-certified physicians specializing in physical medicine and rehabilitation and therapists who specialize in physical, occupational and speech-language therapy for adults and children.

More at www.beaumont.edu/rehab.

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