Cancer rehabilitation can help you regain control over many aspects of your life during and after cancer treatment. The goal is to improve your ability to function and to keep you as active and independent as possible. At St. Anthony Rehab Services, cancer rehabilitation is provided by physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech therapists.
When to start cancer rehabilitation?
- Many patients benefit from an initial therapy visit before they start cancer treatments. This will prepare the tissues for treatment and help minimize side effects of treatment.
- After surgery, the best time to start cancer rehabilitation is 2 to 3 weeks after a surgical procedure.
- Treatment during radiation therapy is important. Starting early during radiation treatment will help minimize the effects of the radiation treatment. During radiation therapy there is tissue trauma and inflammation of the tissues. Local inflammation eventually leads to the formation of scar tissue, which can result in tissue tightness and loss of motion.
Managing effects of chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Cancer related fatigue
- Lymphedema, swelling
- Voice and swallowing difficulties
- Cognition, memory
- Stiffness, reduced motion in joints
- Incontinence
Assistance returning to normal activities
- Learning how to use assistive devices to walk
- Strengthening exercises
- Balance exercises
- Increasing endurance and activity tolerance
- Participation in activities of daily living and work tasks
- Participation in preferred leisure and social activities
Read more about cancer rehab HERE.
Download the Cancer Rehabilitation brochure HERE.
Call St. Anthony Rehab Services at (712) 794-5000 to discuss how cancer rehabilitation may help you or a loved one.