Oncology Rehabilitation Services
Occupational Therapy
The Hall-Perrine Cancer Center offers specialized occupational therapists that work with patients to increase their independence with activities of daily living such as dressing, bathing, household tasks and returning to work. Specialized services also include treatment for hand neuropathies resulting from chemotherapy.
Breast Therapy
Our oncology breast cancer specialist provides support to patients with their pre- and post-treatment needs. Additional services include garment and prosthetics fittings from our certified mastectomy fitter.
Lymphedema
Lymphedema (swelling of the arm) and Axillary Web Syndrome (sometimes referred to as “cording”) is a common side effect for patients who have undergone breast mastectomy or lumpectomy procedures. Our certified lymphedema occupational therapist works with patients to reduce or minimize risk factors and discomfort, while improving range of motion. Learn more about lymphedema management services.
Physical Therapy
A diagnosis of cancer can be an overwhelming time, and the path ahead may contain surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and medications. Mercy Physical Therapy is here to help you through these treatments. Our specially trained physical therapists understand the relationship between treatments, subsequent side effects, lab values, surgical interventions, and appropriate activity and exercise levels for patients undergoing cancer treatment. We specialize in interventions for neuropathy pain and weakened muscles; these interventions align with the progression of treatment and help aid survivorship to allow a return to full function.
Conditions We Treat
- Fatigue
- Strength
- Balance
- Walking stability and stamina
- Range of motion
- Neuropathy
- Joint pain/orthopedic issues
- Dizziness/vertigo
- Exercise recommendations and improving exercise abilities
Our specially trained physical therapists understand the relationship between the treatments, subsequent side effects, lab results, surgical interventions, and appropriate activity and exercise levels. Our knowledge base allows us to provide specialized interventions for neuropathy and weakness that align with the progression of treatment – and into survivorship – to allow return to full function.
What does a physical therapy evaluation entail?
The physical therapist will assess your strength, balance, walking stability, stamina, sensation, vestibular system and overall function with activities of daily living. They will then develop a treatment plan based on your oncology treatment plan and the results of the evaluation, and monitor this plan through the survivorship phase of your cancer journey.
How can physical therapy help me?
Physical therapy can provide:
- Strengthening exercises that are appropriate for your stage of treatment and recovery to allow you to maintain or improve your strength.
- Range-of-motion exercises that will allow you to return to maximum function.
- Balance training to improve standing and moving balance in any environment.
- Assessment of dizziness (this can come from the inner ear and is treatable).
- Energy conservation and activities in appropriate ranges to help manage cancer-related fatigue.
- Assessment and treatment of orthopedic issues/joint pain through manual therapy, stretching,
condition-specific exercise and treatments such as electrical stimulation, ultrasound and iontophoresis (if approved by your physician).
- Neuropathy management to include Anodyne therapy, joint mobilization, stretching, soft-tissue massage, kinesiotaping, pulsed ultrasound, desensitization therapy, strengthening and balance training.
- Help transitioning into survivorship; once treatment is completed, connecting you with programs that will continue to assist with your strength and stamina; Thrive Fitness and Wellness; Livestrong at the YMCA; home exercise programs; and community exercise opportunities.
How many times would I have to come to physical therapy?
The physical therapy plan of care is a collaborative effort between you and your physical therapist, based on your goals and the results of the evaluation. Generally, during the course of treatment, this frequency may vary from one time every other week to once or twice a week. Treatments will be planned around the best times based on your chemotherapy, radiation or surgery.
Do I need a referral for physical therapy?
A physician referral is required. The appointment is then made through Mercy Central Scheduling by calling (319) 861-7778.
How much does physical therapy cost?
Benefits will be run for you at your first appointment or you may call your insurance provider to verify your benefits for physical therapy services. If your appointment is at the Hall-Perrine Cancer Center, ask what the benefits are for hospital-based billing for physical therapy; if your appointment is at Mercy Health Plaza, ask about clinic-based billing for physical therapy. You can also contact Mercy’s Financial Advocate at (319) 369-4505.
