Oncology Rehabilitation

Physical therapy is a critical piece of restoring function and improving quality of life for those who are currently undergoing or have undergone cancer treatment, as these treatments are very damaging to the body and affect how the different systems are able to function.  Deconditioning, muscle atrophy, balance deficits, scar tissue adhesions, and lymphedema are common issues for cancer survivors that can be addressed with skilled physical therapy.  Oncology Rehabilitation at PT360 provides support through the different phases of cancer treatment and recovery, and aims to restore overall function and mobility!

Preventative Phase

Designed to minimize and/or prevent further degeneration for the patient at risk for disability.  Examples include deconditioning, muscle atrophy, falls, contractures, and postural deficits.  Goals are to reduce tension, anxiety, and stress while maintaining mobility, balance, strength, and range of motion. 

• Physical therapy interventions include exercise, relaxation techniques, postural exercises, patient education, and/or dietary changes.

Restorative Phase

Designed to return a patient to their pre-morbid level with little or no residual disabilities.  Examples include fatigue, alopecia, depression, range of motion deficits, strength deficits, pain, scar adhesions, and balance disorders.  Goals are to increase strength, ROM, and endurance, while reducing tension, anxiety, stress, and pain.

• Physical therapy interventions include exercise, gait training, modalities, and manual therapies.

Supportive Phase

Designed for the patient with ongoing disease and persistent disabilities.  Examples include peripheral neuropathy, cognitive impairment (“chemobrain”), and depression & anxiety.  Goals are the same as restorative phase, as well as to improve the ability to perform desired tasks, such as activities of daily living.

• Physical therapy interventions include exercise, bracing, gait training, home safety assessment, manual therapy, and pain management.

Palliative Phase

Designed for the patient with advanced disease where the disabilities cannot be corrected.    Examples include peripheral neuropathy, fatigue, ascites, balance deficits, pain, paralysis, GI issues, and small bowel obstructions.  Goals are focused on quality of life and aim to maintain functional mobility, strength, and ROM for improved ability to perform desired tasks, such as activities of daily living (ADLs).  This phase also includes emotional support.

• Physical therapy interventions include exercise, caregiver education, (re)positioning, ADL training, energy conservation, manual therapy, and pain management.