Oncology Rehabilitation

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For more information about the services available at each location, call (855) 214-3681.

Oncology rehabilitation therapy can help the patient transition physically and mentally through the phases of cancer treatment. At Northwest Health - La Porte, oncology therapy programs are individualized to the patient's needs, physical condition and ability level. Therapy is designed to help build strength and endurance, regain independence, reduce stress and maintain the energy to participate in daily activities.

Benefits of oncology rehabilitation often include:

• Increased range of motion, strength and return to function
• Increased endurance/reduced fatigue
• Reduced pain
• Better sleep
• Elevated mood
• Improved mental focus

The oncology rehabilitation services we offer patients include:

Physical therapy for cancer patients: As part of the patient's cancer treatment, physical therapists may design an individualized exercise program that combines range-of-motion training with light resistance exercises. These therapeutic exercises aim to reduce fatigue and improve physical function, safety and well-being.

Occupational therapy for cancer patients: Occupational therapists are available to help patients with daily living activities that are important to their routine and quality of life, such as dressing, showering and eating.

Speech therapy for cancer patients: Many cancer patients may benefit from speech and language therapy. Therapists address issues such as dry mouth, difficulty swallowing, loss of voice and cognitive changes that often result from cancer treatment.

Lymphedema management for cancer patients: Lymphedema is a condition in which excess lymphatic fluid collects in the interstitial tissue and causes swelling in specific areas of the body, usually in the arms or legs. Swelling may also occur in other parts of the body, such as the breast or chest wall.

Lymphedema may develop as a result of cancer, cancer treatment (e.g., surgery, radiation), infection, trauma, scar tissue or anything that changes, blocks or interrupts the flow of lymph fluid through the lymphatic system. While it is most often associated with breast cancer, lymphedema may result from treatment for other cancers, such as prostate, ovarian, lymphoma and melanoma.

The oncology rehabilitation team provides treatments designed to either prevent or reduce the swelling associated with lymphedema. Treatment may include manual lymph drainage massage and therapeutic exercises to help stimulate the lymphatic system. We may also recommend compression bandages, pumps or garments (e.g., sleeves, stockings) to help prevent additional fluid from accumulating in the tissue.

For more information about Northwest Health - La Porte's oncology rehabilitation services, call (855) 214-3681.