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.
Additionally, neural lymphatic manual drainage and craniosacral therapy can provide gentle, supportive care for individuals recovering from cancer treatment by promoting relaxation and reducing stress on the nervous system. These techniques may help improve lymphatic flow, which can assist in managing swelling (such as lymphedema) and supporting the body’s natural detoxification processes. Craniosacral therapy, in particular, uses light touch to ease tension in the central nervous system, potentially helping with pain, fatigue, and emotional strain. Together, these therapies offer a non-invasive, calming approach that can enhance overall comfort and quality of life during recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions About Oncology Rehabilitation & Lymphedema Therapists
How do you get your
hand strength back
after chemo?
If you experience tingling or numbness in your hands due to chemotherapy, it may be a condition called peripheral neuropathy, which is a common side effect of chemotherapy. Hand therapy and therapeutic exercises can help increase blood flow in your hands. This offers temporary pain relief and reduces tingling, numbness, and swelling associated with neuropathy from chemotherapy treatments.
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.
What is Neurolymphatic Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD)?
Neurolymphatic MLD is a non-invasive, non-pharmaceutical manual technique that promotes healthy lymph flow of the brain. The lymphatic system has several critical functions throughout the body: it regulates fluid buildup and prevents edema (swelling); it helps manage fat absorption within the small intestine; and as part of the immune system it recognizes and responds to waste cells and invader cells such as viruses, microbes, and cancer.
More efficient lymph flow supports symptom management for many common health concerns, including:
- Brain fog after chemo
- Long COVID, Chronic Lyme
- Post-concussion
- Fatigue due to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Chronic neurologic conditions such as dementia, post-stroke, Parkinson’s Disease
- Support for long-term cognitive health
What is Craniosacral Therapy (CST)?
Craniosacral Therapy is a holistic approach that integrates science with gentle manual therapy. CST uses light manual techniques to address soft tissues and fluids that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. By easing tension in these soft tissues, we can support the body’s ability to self-regulate, and help you achieve and maintain your best health.
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.
