CANCER REHABILITATION

Our clinic provides specialized physiotherapy services for individuals undergoing cancer treatment or dealing with chronic concerns from previous cancer treatment. 

Exercise has been proven to reduce cancer-related fatigue, improve immune function and reduce risk of cancer recurrence, but patients are often given little to no guidance about what exercise type or intensity is safe to perform. Appropriate levels of exercise can be maintained during chemotherapy and radiation treatment to help reduce the negative side effects (fatigue, decreased muscle strength and bone density, poor balance due to neuropathy). 

Physiotherapy can assist individuals recovering from cancer-related surgery (lumpectomy, mastectomy, lymph node resection, lobectomy, etc) with specific stretching and strengthening exercises to correct muscle imbalances, scar management, and myofascial release techniques. These techniques can also be utilized following radiation treatment to improve radiation fibrosis. 

Lymphedema is a side effect of lymph node resection and/or radiation treatment that causes excess fluid buildup under the skin. Physiotherapy for lymphedema includes education about skin care and prevention, limb measurements, compression wrapping and self massage techniques. 

Our physiotherapist Alison became interested in oncology rehabilitation after her own experience with melanoma and lymph node biopsy, as well as seeing several close family members undergo cancer treatment. This opened her eyes to the challenges of returning to physical activity after these procedures, and the lack of emphasis placed on oncology rehabilitation. Her goal is to help others improve their quality of life and safely and confidently incorporate exercise into their cancer journey. 

Cancer Rehabilitation at our clinic are provided by Registered Physiotherapists with special expertise.  Our cancer rehabilitation services are therefore covered as 'physiotherapy' under extended health insurance plans.