Cancer Rehab

Managing treatment-related symptoms, side effects & activity tolerance to restore your well-being

A young woman is checking an elderly woman's shoulder during a physical therapy session in a bright room with large windows. Both women are wearing athletic clothing and sneakers, standing on a wooden floor.

What is cancer rehab?

Cancer rehab is a comprehensive program that focuses on restoring your physical and emotional well-being. Here are the noted benefits:

Pain management

Restore range of motion (ROM) lost from surgery

Improve physical conditioning & endurance

Reduce risk of re-hospitalization

Fall prevention

Restore functional independence with daily activities: dressing, bathing, toileting, housekeeping  

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A physical therapy session with a young female therapist providing support to an elderly woman performing balance exercises on a foam roller in a bright room with large windows.

Our specialties.

Lymphedema | Breast Cancer | Scar Treatment

Surgical: Mastectomy, Lumpectomy, Lymph Node Dissection

Chemo-Related Toxicities: “Chemo Brain”, Cancer Related Fatigue (CRF)   

Hematological Cancers: Leukemia, Lymphoma, Multiple Myeloma  

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“From the moment I walked through the doors, I felt supported and understood… Throughout my sessions, she demonstrated unwavering dedication and expertise. Her guidance and encouragement motivated me to push beyond my limits and achieve remarkable results.”

— Jarvis D.

Lymphedema Therapy

Reduces swelling & pain of affected area (arm, leg) through Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) & Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) techniques

  • The lymphatic system transports lymphatic fluid from the tissues back into the venous part of the circulatory system. Its purpose is to drain the substances that the circulatory system cannot and filter the interstitial spaces. 

    Lymphedema is caused by an abnormal accumulation of protein and water in these interstitial spaces. It is a chronic, progressive disease that is classified as primary, congenital origin, or secondary, mechanical origin from damage, disease, or a known insult. The disruption that occurs to the lymphatic system results in an increase in fluid buildup/swelling of the affected area causing pain, restricted range of motion, and significant interference with one’s mobility and function. It is characterized by a staging system, ranging from stage 0 in latency phase, up to stage 3 which is most severe.

  • Surgery, trauma, infection, malignant tumor, immobility, Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI), Breast Cancer

  • Lumpectomy, Mastectomy, Lymph Node Dissection

  • Mobilize the excess fluid

    Reduce edema limb volume size

    Address range of motion (ROM) impairments

    Decrease potential tissue cording

    Symptom relief

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A woman is receiving a chiropractic adjustment on her back from a chiropractor in a room with large windows and green outdoor scenery.

Complete Decongestive Protocol

Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) is the gold standard treatment for lymphedema. CDT consists of two phases: phase I is the decongestion phase, followed by phase II, the maintenance phase. The decongestion phase includes MLD, skin care, compression therapy, and decongestive exercise. Once the patient reaches the maintenance phase, they improve on phase I via self-management.

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A woman is lying on a massage table while a therapist performs abdominal massage or therapy in a bright room with large windows showing a cityscape and green landscape outside.

What is Manual Lymphatic Drainage?

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a very effective gentle manual technique that utilizes superficial skin-stretching strokes. These strokes re-route lymphatic fluid from congested, swollen areas in the direction of lymph flow and other areas with good drainage. As a result, the affected area reduces in swelling and pain, thereby restoring range of motion and mobility. This technique can also help to soften hardened (fibrotic) tissue areas and address tissue cording. 

An infographic illustrating two phases of lymphatic drainage therapy: Phase 1 Decongestion, which includes self-management, compression therapy, exercise and movement, skin care and wound care, manual lymphatic drainage or simple lymphatic drainage. Phase 2 Maintenance and Optimization, which includes self-management, compression therapy, exercise and movement, skin care and wound care, and manual lymphatic drainage or simple lymphatic drainage.
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Benefits of deep breathing

Deep breathing activates the diaphragm, which directly enhances the effects of MLD. Diaphragmatic breathing has positive effects on promoting improved lymphatic flow, but also plays a major role in relieving stress, anxiety, and depression. Similarly, MLD promotes an analgesic, soothing effect by stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system. 

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