Each person living with or beyond their cancer diagnosis has unique physical needs. Cancer rehabilitation focuses on regaining physical function and independence, often following surgical or medical therapies that may have left an individual unable to resume his or her lifestyle without some level of assistance. Exercise and activity can reduce fatigue, depression, and nausea, as well as alleviates cognitive impairment (chemo brain) and other problems that can occur during and after cancer treatment.

The cancer rehabilitation program and lymphedema clinic at Ellis Fischel Cancer Center focuses on minimizing or preventing some of the possible side effects of cancer and its treatment. These side effects can include diminished strength and range of motion, poor endurance, scar conditions, fatigue and lymphedema.

The Cancer Rehabilitation/Lymphedema Clinic is staffed by both a physical and occupational therapist.Some of the services that are provided include:

• Traditional outpatient physical and occupational therapies
• Assessment of activities of daily living
• Individualized exercise program development
• Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) for lymphedema
• Professional compression garment fitting for upper and lower limbs for lymphedema
• Strength and endurance training
• Biofeedback for pelvic floor pain management

The clinical team
Vickie Parker, OTR/L, CLT-LANA - occupational therapy and lymphedema therapy
Karen Wingert, RN, DPT - physical therapy and pelvic floor therapy

For more information on the clinical team or to make an appointment, please call (573) 884-8444.