Cancer Rehab

Cancer Rehabilitation

Did you know that regular exercise can significantly improve the long term survival rates of those undergoing cancer treatment? It may also help decrease fatigue, pain, brain fog, and chemo induced neuropathy. Physical Therapists are uniquely qualified to create guided exercises programs that meet an individuals specific needs and abilities.

"Of course, an exercise regimen should be tailored to fit each cancer patient’s preference and functional status. To prescribe a safe and effective exercise program, the patient’s age, type and stage of cancer, treatment side effects, and other health considerations should be evaluated first." (1, 2, 3)

At Activecare Physical Therapy, we understand there are many different side effects one may experience as a result of radiation or chemotherapy treatment,and we have developed a uniquely well rounded approach to our cancer rehab to address all of these issues. Some common side effects may include but are not limited to:

Fatigue and muscle weakness
Lymphedema
Pain
Peripheral Neuropathy
Scar tissue

If you are experiencing any of the side effects above, consider our role in your cancer rehabilitation! Our skilled physical therapists will develop an individualized program to fit your functional needs.

Strengthening

Our therapists will work with you to develop a tailored strengthening program to regain your function and independence, so that you can return to all of the activities that you enjoy.

Lymphedema

Lymphedema is often a result of lymph node biopsies. Our Klose Certified Lymphedema Therapist, Julie Kozik, DPT, CLT, CTT, Cert. MDT., is an expert at treating this condition and providing patients with the tools, education, and support to manage their lymphedema at home with self-massage, compression garments, and other tools and resources.

Chemo-induced Peripheral Neuropathy

Peripheral Neuropathy is a common side effect of chemotherapy. This painful and sometimes debilitating condition can be successfully treated using Anodyne Therapy, a patented light therapy proven to heal nerves. We are one of the only clinics in the area that offers this specialized treatment. Ehren Trost MPT, ATC, Cert MDT, Astym Cert has used Anodyne Therapy since 2004 to treat many types of neuropathy, including chemotherapy induced neuropathy or CIPD. Research on the effects of Anodyne Therapy may be found HERE (Click me!)

Scar Tissue

Scar tissue is a result of surgeries and can severely restrict range of motion, trap nerves, and cause pain. We have pursued specialized training in a variety of soft tissue techniques that can help resolve scar tissue and reduce or eliminate the problems caused by it. Astym Therapy has been proven to resolve the scar tissue and adhesions resulting from mastectomy surgeries (4, 5). It is but one of the many effective techniques available from our skilled clinicians.

To learn more about our treatments check out the following links:

1) Anodyne Therapy- https://www.anodynetherapy.com/clinical-evidence/

2) Astym Therapy- https://astym.com/for-patients/

3) Lymphedema Management - https://lymphaticnetwork.org/

References:

1) https://www.cancer.gov/news-events/cancer-currents-blog/2019/cancer-survivors-exercise-guidelines-schmitz

2) https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/10/191016131226.htm

3) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5330632/

4) Astym therapy improves function and range of motion following mastectomy https://prc.astym.com/Content/documents/Astym%20therapy%20improves%20function%20and%20range%20of%20motion%20following%20mastectomy.pdf

5) Use of ASTYM® Treatment on Scar Tissue Following Surgical Treatment for Breast Cancer: A Pilot Study. https://prc.astym.com/prc/clinical/conditionspecific/breastcancer/Use%20of%20ASTYM%20Treatment%20on%20Scar%20Tissue%20Following%20Surgical%20Treatment%20for%20Breast%20Cancer.pdf