Oncology/ Lymphedema
Our cancer rehabilitation specialists are specially trained in the latest treatments specifically related to cancer diagnosis. Patients learn to not only survive but thrive.
Specially Trained Physical Therapists
At Physical Therapy at St. Luke’s we have several specially trained physical therapists who see patients prior to surgery so that baseline measurements can be taken for your range of motion, strength, and circumferential measurements of your limbs and a home exercise program can be established. Once your surgery is complete, we can help you regain mobility and prepare for radiation treatment, if necessary. Our physical therapists can help tailor a program to meet your needs and supervise you during your workouts to address any issues that may occur. When treatments are complete, we can help you return to regular activities.
Our team of experts treat the following conditions faced by those diagnosed with cancer:
- Balance and Vestibular
- Fatigue
- Lymphedema
- Post-Mastectomy Program
- Pain or muscle tightness
Cancer rehabilitation specialists are specially trained in the latest surgeries and treatments specifically related to a cancer diagnosis.
Our team of certified, specialty trained clinicians are ready to help you not only survive, but thrive. Our Strength ABC program (after breast cancer) will encourage continued exercise to help to prevent lymphedema.
Oncology/Lymphedema Programs
Cancer Care Program
- Evaluation: Your physical and occupational therapist will perform an evaluation to establish your baseline range of motion and strength.
- Plan of Care: Your therapist will create a plan of care to meet your goals which may include Fatigue Management, Strengthening and Aerobic Conditioning.
- Lymphedema (swelling of the arms and legs): Can occur with cancer therapies that involve surgical removal of lymph nodes. Our certified, specially trained lymphedema therapists can help you manage your symptoms.
- Post Mastectomy Program: Your therapist will help you restore flexibility and strength, prevent “frozen shoulder”, muscle atrophy, and lymphedema, address scar adhesions and axillary web syndrome.
- Pain or muscle tightness: Your therapist can help address pain associated with your cancer using manual therapy such as soft tissue mobilization, range of motion, or proper positioning.
- Balance problems: Weakness and changes in weight and sensations can cause balance deficits. Your therapist will work with you to improve balance with exercise and specialized equipment such as the Biodex Balance System to retrain and teach you how to regain your balance and prevent falls.
Lymphedema Therapy
Lymphedema is a condition of localized fluid retention and tissue swelling caused by damaged or abnormal lymph nodes or vessels. The arms and legs are the most affected areas. Swelling may be severe and cause pain and discomfort, reduced range of motion, and weaken the affected area of the body.
Signs of Lymphedema:
- Swelling
- Clothes not fitting in one area such as one leg or one arm
- Jewelry feels tighter than usual
- A feeling of heaviness or fullness
- Changes in skin texture – hardening, thickening, tightness, or redness
- Restrictive movement of joints
Treatment May Include:
- Manual lymph drainage
- Complete Decongestive Therapy
- Compression Bandaging & Garment Fitting