Oncology Rehabilitation
Oncology treatment and care, such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and other treatments, can cause a range of side effects that affect strength, mobility, energy levels, and overall quality of life. Oncology rehabilitation uses physical therapy to help patients manage these effects, maintain function during treatment, and recover as fully as possible afterward.
At MOTION, our physical and occupational therapists provide individualized care for patients at every stage of a cancer diagnosis. Whether you are preparing for treatment, currently undergoing chemotherapy, radiation, or in recovery following surgery or completion of treatment, we make sure to work closely with your oncology care team to ensure your rehabilitation plan is appropriate and supportive of your overall care.
What Oncology Rehabilitation Can Address
Oncology rehabilitation can help manage a wide range of ailments related to cancer and its treatment, including:
- Swelling following surgery or radiation
- Post-surgical pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility
- Peripheral neuropathy related to chemotherapy
- Muscle weakness and deconditioning
- Shoulder and loss of upper extremity mobility following breast cancer surgery
- Pain management
- Scar tissue and soft tissue restrictions following surgical procedures
What to Expect
Your therapist will begin with a thorough evaluation and assessment to understand your symptoms related to cancer diagnosis and/or treatment and develop an individualized care plan. Treatment may include:
- Gentle strengthening and conditioning exercises to rebuild endurance and function
- Manual therapy to address pain, stiffness, and soft tissue restrictions
- Manual lymphatic drainage and compression strategies
- Balance and coordination training to address neuropathy-related deficits
- Fatigue management education and energy conservation strategies
- Scar tissue mobilization following surgical procedures
- Guidance on safely returning to daily activities and exercise
Treatment Built Around You
Cancer rehabilitation addresses the physical impact of both the disease and its treatment. Whether you are managing side effects during active treatment or rebuilding function after treatment ends, our therapists create an individualized treatment plan based on your current needs and functional goals.