ONCOLOGY REHAB

Oncology Rehabilitation, the rehabilitation of the patient with cancer, is one of the newest and most promising specialties in the field of physical therapy. Greater involvement of the physical therapist is needed to assist the cancer patient in reducing the functional deficits which result not only from the disease, but also from the treatment (i.e., surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, etc). Some of these deficits include decreased range of motion, decreased strength and endurance, neuropathic changes, postural changes, secondary edema and pain. As the number of patients living with or having survived cancer continues to grow, so will the need for specialists working to ensure these patients preserve their independence and pre-cancer life style. Programs will be focused on improving each patient’s mobility, strength, range of motion, mental attitude and pain reduction.