Cancer Rehabilitation

Oleander Rehabilitation offers outpatient therapy to address problems that may arise following cancer surgery and treatment. Physical therapy focuses on safe mobility, strength and endurance, pain and scar management. Occupational therapy addresses safety and energy conservation for self care and activities of daily living. Speech therapy looks at swallowing dysfunction, communication disorders and cognitive skills retraining.

Common Problems:

• Pain
• Swelling
• Decreased range of motion
• Decreased strength
• Soft tissue tightness
• Risk for infection
• Fatigue
• Postural changes
• Loss of balance and risk of falls
• Loss of normal function

Typical Rehabilitation Goals:

• Maximize and maintain range of motion
• Maximize tissue mobility
• Minimize fatigue
• Maximize functional activity and safety
• Minimize long-term impact of musculoskeletal dysfunction
• Provide home exercise program
• Promote sense of patient's active role in recovery

Rehabilitation Through the Cancer Treatment Continuum:

• Post-operative rehabilitation and education
• Safe return to activities of daily living, work and recreation
• Exercise during and after chemotherapy and radiation
• Musculoskeletal treatment
• Manual therapy to achieve shoulder range for "radiation position" post breast cancer surgery
• Swallowing treatment post mouth or throat cancer in an effort to improve the strength and coordination of swallowing muscles