Oncology Rehabilitation: Restoring Comfort and Function In Recovery
Find Relief Before, During, and After Cancer Treatment
Cancer And Its
Treatment Affects.
The SIX-letter word that no one ever wants to hear.
In many cases, it can be treated, even overcome. And yet, the treatments that your body must endure to heal come with their own physical complications.
Fatigue. Lymphedema. Pain. Swelling. Cording. Nerve Problems. Inflammation. These are just a few of the dozens of potential conditions from cancer treatment, all of which can have a debilitating effect on your quality of life. You don’t have to endure needlessly.
At Seacoast Hand Therapy, we’re pleased to offer therapy services specifically designed to alleviate the aftermath of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Our trained Lymphedema Therapists provide comprehensive and individualized care during all phases of cancer care.
What Is Oncology Rehabilitation?
Cancer patients face a variety of challenges, over and above their diagnosis. As you navigate cancer recovery, your body needs additional support. Oncology Rehabilitation at Seacoast utilizes evidence-based interventions that provides pain relief, improves strength, reduces soft tissue dysfunction, increases range of motion, rebuilds functional ability, and manages or prevents lymphedema.
Through the use of various manual techniques, stretches, exercises, patients will be educated and empowered to meet their functional and wellness goals.
Pre-Op Consultations and Treatment
According to the National Center For Biotechnology Information (NCBI), pre-operaative rehabilitation exercises, also known as prehab, is a safe and successful method to significantly improve post-operative functionality in cancer patients.[1] Before you ever undergo surgery, we can establish a better recovery baseline within oncology rehabilitation.
Our therapists can see you for a pre-operative consultation to obtain baseline arm and hand measurements and evaluate current range of motion and strength measurements. We’ll also walk alongside you and provide additional education regarding post-surgical expectations and lymphedema prevention.
Rehabilitation During Treatment
In the midst of cancer treatment, it can be challenging to add yet another appointment to your already busy schedule.
However, working with a lymphedema therapist will reduce lymphedema risk, alleviate discomfort, minimize stiffness, and maximize function for optimal recovery.
Pre-Op Consultations and Treatment
After an operation or radiation treatment, you may need to learn what your body is capable of and how you can maintain your functionality. Together, we will implement rehabilitation techniques to continue your healing and recovery with greater function and less discomfort.
Seacoast Hand Therapy will be your educational and therapeutic resource throughout this phase of recovery. We’re adept at treating oncology related conditions and facilitating greater independence after cancer treatment.
As a team, we’re committed to fulfilling our mission to walk with patients to the best possible outcome as a Caring Partnership in Healing.
Working With Lymphedema Therapists
Oncology Rehabilitation may include therapy to prevent and manage lymphedema. Lymphedema is a condition that results from the accumulation of lymphatic fluid in a limb or other part of the body. This is usually the result of radiation, surgery, trauma, or infection.
While there is no final cure, therapy treatment alleviates swelling and takes preventative action against potential complications. At Seacoast Hand Therapy, our lymphedema therapists offer patient education on the signs and symptoms of this condition as well as prevention strategies and treatment options.
Utilizing the Complete Decongestive Therapy approach, lymphedema therapists will implement a variety of interventions, including manual lymphatic drainage, compression bandaging, meticulous skin care routines, and remedial exercise practices. We will also make appropriate garment recommendations and referrals, as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions About Oncology Rehabilitation & Lymphedema Therapists
What does a lymphedema therapist do?
Our certified lymphedema therapists will implement and educate on the appropriate techniques and interventions that will help you reduce and prevent lymphedema.
Some techniques include manual lymphatic drainage via strategic massage, gentle muscle contraction, and compression garments or bandages.
How do you get your fingers back after chemo?
How long does numbness in fingers last after chemo?
If you experience tingling or numbness in your hands due to chemotherapy, it may be a condition called peripheral neuropathy and is a common side effect of chemotherapy.
The lifespan of these symptoms is individual to each person and their body.
What is Cording?
Cording, also known as Axillary Web Syndrome (AWS), can sometimes develop following a mastectomy, lumpectomy, lymph node removal, and/or reconstruction.
Cording may present as a single or multiple thin cords that run from the armpit, down the inner aspect of the arm and elbow to the hand.
What is Radiation Fibrosis Syndrome?
Radiation is used to treat fast growing cancer cells, but it can also affect normal cells within the treatment field. Over time, these damaged cells can lead to thickening (or fibrosis) of the tissues and weakness of the underlying muscles.
Discover how we can help treat RFS at Seacoast Hand Therapy.
What is Strength ABC?
Strength ABC is a program designed to teach breast cancer survivors about the benefits of slow progressive exercise and how it can reduce the onset and/or severity of lymphedema.
Learn more about the Strength ABC program offered at Seacoast Hand Therapy.
Lymphatic massage
At Seacoast Hand Therapy, our physical and occupational therapists are certified lymphedema therapists (CLTs) with decades of experience. We are now offering private-pay individualized massage sessions tailored to our clients’ specific needs.
WHAT IS IT?
Lymphatic massage is a gentle technique designed to stimulate the flow of lymph fluid throughout the body’s lymphatic system. Using light pressure and rhythmic movements, the massage aims to encourage the removal of toxins, excess fluid, and waste products from the tissues.
WHO IS IT FOR?
Lymphatic drainage massage is beneficial for individuals seeking full-body detoxification, relief from chronic swelling, or cosmetic post-surgical recovery, including facial, neck, abdominal, breast implant/explant and liposuction procedures.
HOW DOES IT HELP?
This process can help reduce swelling, improve circulation, boost the immune system, and promote overall relaxation and well-being.
