What is Oncology Rehabilitation?
What is Oncology Rehabilitation?
Oncology rehabilitation is a type of physical therapy designed to improve physical function during and after cancer treatment. Oncology physical therapists receive extra training to address the unique needs of individuals undergoing or recovering from cancer-related surgeries, radiation and/or chemotherapy.
Who should seek Oncology Rehabilitation?
Anyone who has undergone any type of cancer treatment - including surgery, chemo, radiation, and/or endocrine therapy - may experience side effects impacting mobility, comfort and quality of life. Oncology rehabilitation can help people recovering from all types of cancer.
Why should I seek Oncology Rehabilitation?
Surgery -
Surgery can lead to tissue and scar tightness, range of motion restrictions, weakness, swelling and pain. Physical therapy utilizes manual techniques and exercise to assist in improving tissue quality, endurance, range of motion, circulation, pain and overall function.
Radiation -
Radiation treatment may cause fatigue, swelling, and hardening of tissues resulting in restriction of motion and poor tolerance to activity. Oncology rehabilitation addresses these side effects using manual techniques to soften tissues and improve circulation. Rehab teaches energy conservation techniques, exercise and stretching, as well as postural and body mechanics optimization
Chemotherapy -
Research shows that an exercise routine can help decrease some of the side effects of chemotherapy including fatigue, joint pain, neuropathy (nerve symptoms like numbness and tingling), balance issues and difficulty sleeping. Safe and appropriate physical therapy aids in the reduction of potential and/or ongoing chemotherapy side effects.
Endocrine Therapy (Anti-Estrogen and Androgen Deprivation Therapies) -
Endocrine therapies can cause bone loss, joint and muscle pain, weight gain, fatigue and weakness. Research supports that a consistent exercise program can reduce these side effects and improve quality of life. Oncology rehab can assist in developing an individualized exercise program specific to your current physical activity level with a focus on reducing side effects and improving tolerance to prescribed medications.
Lymphatic Injury from Lymph Node Removal and Radiation -
A person’s lymphatic system is injured from both lymph node dissection and radiation treatment. The lymphatic system aids in the movement of fluid through your body and promoting immune function. Lymphedema, an abnormal swelling that may occur after any type of cancer treatment, presents itself with:
heaviness, achiness or tightness in the region of cancer treatment
swelling in the region of cancer treatment
Lymphedema can be treated by a certified lymphedema therapist using Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT). This therapy treatment includes patient education, compression, decongestive exercises to increase circulation and fluid movement, and manual techniques to reroute excess fluid out of the area while softening tissue firmness and improving the lymphatic system’s pumping action
When should I begin Oncology Rehabilitation?
Oncology rehabilitation is appropriate and effective at any point during cancer treatment. Some people are assessed prior to surgery to get baseline measurements and learn how to safely return to exercise afterwards. Others receive rehab after surgery, during chemo and/or radiation or at any point in their survivorship/recovery process.
How do I get started?
If you are currently undergoing or recovering from cancer treatment, contact us today. Ask your oncologist, plastic surgeon, radiation oncologist or any MD on your team for a referral. Because the quality of your lymphedema therapist selection is critical, we only employ therapists with training specific to oncology rehabilitation. http://www.cancerrehabaustin.com/lymphedema-treatment
Recovering from cancer treatment can be an ongoing process. In time, most people utilizing oncology rehab return to normal activities. Resources are available to assist in improving your quality of life during or after cancer treatment.
Mission Statement:
Cancer Rehab and Integrative Medicine provides a multidisciplinary approach to meet the needs of individuals who are actively undergoing or recovering from cancer treatment as well as those who are at risk of developing lymphedema or already experiencing symptoms.
Author: Dr. Angela Wicker-Ramos PT, DPT, CLT-LANA
https://www.cancerrehabaustin.com/oncologyrehab
Bio: Angela Wicker-Ramos PT, DPT, CLT-LANA, is the owner and founder of Cancer Rehab and Integrative Medicine (CRIM) in Austin, Texas, where she currently serves as an oncology rehab specialist and certified lymphedema therapist. Angela earned her undergraduate degree in kinesiology from the University of Texas at Austin and her doctoral degree in physical therapy from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. She is a certified lymphedema therapist and oncology physical therapist with extensive advanced training and over a decade of specialized lymphedema experience. Prior to CRIM, Angela aided in the development and implementation of several successful outpatient oncology and lymphedema programs and was the Director of Health and Wellness at Texas Oncology from 2018-2019. She is a frequent guest lecturer at Texas State University and Austin Community College and presents at professional conferences including the National Lymphedema Network, Texas Oncology Survive and Thrive and Head and Neck Cancer Alliance Survivorship Symposium. Angela develops and instructs various continuing education courses for medical professionals and stays active in the Austin breast cancer community as a presenter for the Breast Cancer Resource Center, Cancer Support Community of Central Texas and Livestrong at YMCA.