Oncology Rehabilitation

At Washington University Physical Therapy Clinical Practice, our mission is to improve your quality of life and reduce the impact of cancer-related treatment side-effects through the promotion of movement. Every person responds to cancer treatments differently, so you will receive an individualized plan.

BEFORE TREATMENT:

Physical, Occupational or Speech Therapy can prepare you for the side effects of your upcoming treatment by helping to improve your endurance and strength. This can help your body’s ability to tolerate treatment

DURING TREATMENT:

Physical, Occupational or Speech Therapy can help you maintain your current level of function and help reduce pain and discomfort.

AFTER TREATMENT:

Physical, Occupational or Speech Therapy promotes cancer survivorship by helping you return to your prior activities, minimizing side effects, and improving your quality of life.

Side Effects We Treat

• Muscle Fatigue & Weakness
  Muscle fatigue is one of the most common side effects of cancer related treatments. Learning appropriate levels of exercise to perform is one of the most powerful tools to fight cancer-related fatigue and improve participation and quality of life.

• Joint Pain & Restricted Movements
  Surgery and radiation can restrict the body’s ability to move freely. Range of motion, postural exercises and equipment can help restore your body’s ability to move properly.

• Incontinence and Pelvic Pain
  Surgery and radiation, particularly in the  abdominal and pelvic area, can lead to bowel and bladder leakage, constipation, or pain. Strength and coordination of your pelvic floor  muscles  are assessed to develop a specific  treatment plan.

• Balance & Gait Issues
  Cancer treatment can lead to deficits with balance and walking. It is important to maintain safety and independence through exercises and using appropriate assistive devices.

• Lymphedema
  Swelling can occur as a result of surgery or radiation therapy. Certified lymphedema therapists can help treat and manage your swelling.

• Communication
  Changes in communication can occur depending on the site of lesion and side effects of treatment.  Changes could impact motor speech (dysarthria), language and word finding (aphasia), or voice.  Communication is assessed and treated in order to manage and remediate difficulties.

• Cognition
  Cognition can include attention, memory, planning, and problem solving which could be impacted by chemotherapy or radiation and lesions in the brain.  Cognition is assessed and treated with a combination of compensatory strategies and remediation.

• Swallowing
  Surgery and radiation, particularly in the neck, mouth, or face can lead to changes in the ability to eat and drink comfortably, efficiently, and safely.  Structure and function are assessed to develop exercises and/or compensatory strategies.