Oncology Rehabilitation
Some patients have rehabilitation therapy needs before, during and after cancer treatment.
Oncology rehabilitation therapy provides services focused on building the patient’s strength and endurance in preparation for cancer treatment. These services also help patients return to a pre-cancer level of physical wellness and quality of life. Services may include occupational therapy, speech therapy, wound care, audiology and lymphedema management.
Audiologists design and develop monitoring programs for ototoxicity, or hearing loss related to medication exposure, assisting patients in the maintenance of optimal communication abilities.
Cancer-related lymphedema is a condition that can result from surgical, radiation and chemotherapy treatments for some cancers. It may lead to abnormal swelling, discomfort and infections. Chronic lymphedema requires lifelong management.
Cancer-related lymphedema of the arms and legs develops in stages. When it is caught early, it can be treated and stopped before it gets worse and becomes a lifelong condition.
The SOZO® Digital Health Platform provides an L-Dex® score to help detect lymphedema before you feel noticeable swelling. This early alert allows us to work with you to take steps to stop lymphedema from getting worse, or to avoid getting it at all.
The SOZO device is used to measure your L-Dex score. It looks like a scale, but it has places for you to put your hands and feet. You will not feel the SOZO test, and it takes only 30 seconds to complete. SOZO is capable of detecting fluid changes in extracellular fluid as small as 2.4 tablespoons. SOZO analysis shows fluid building up, before swelling is seen.
For best results, patients receive a baseline measurement before cancer treatment begins and are then tested regularly after treatment. However, patients may enter the program at any stage of their cancer journey (before, during or after treatment) and in survivorship. They are tested on a consistent basis for lymphedema surveillance.
Our Oncology Rehabilitation speech therapists work with you to treat the effects of chemo brain, including communication difficulties, impaired memory, executive function and reduced ability to concentrate and process information.
Oncology therapists provide physical and mental assistance as a patient transitions through all phases of cancer treatment, through programs tailored to each individual’s condition and ability level. Our oncology therapists receive specialized training through the Physiological Oncology Rehabilitation Institute (PORi).
Therapists specializing in wound care play a crucial role in the healing process for cancer patients. Collaborating closely with the medical team, the wound care specialists create personalized plans focused on enhancing the healing process.