From Library Journal
Overcoming the aftereffects of breast cancer can be as difficult as hearing the original diagnosis. Exercise specialists and personal trainers Halverstadt and Leonard first discuss the physical effects of breast cancer surgery and treatment (from general stiffness and "frozen shoulder" to painful scar tissue and lymphedema), then offer stretches, warm-ups, and 90-plus exercises (their "Essential Exercises," repeated ad nauseum) to improve/regain range of motion and increase strength of the affected arm. Their plan is intended to improve one's overall well-being through better posture, improved lymphatic flow, weight management, and cardiovascular health through aerobics. The photos included in the galley are quite small (most photos were not seen). The authors have done an admirable job, but in all honesty, can any exercise regime be followed properly via a book? They say, "Don't lock your knees" and "Contract your abdominals and your buttocks," but do most women know how that is done? Women wanting to reverse the complications of breast surgery would do better with a videocassette, e.g., Better Than Before (LJ 1/96) or Focus on Healing Through Movement & Dance for the Breast Cancer Survivor (LJ 5/15/99), where positions are amply demonstrated and explained. Still, this book is recommended for comprehensive patient health collections.DBette-Lee Fox, "Library Journal"
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Product Description
Essential Exercises for Breast Cancer Survivors helps breast cancer patients at every step of their journey.
