At MU Health Care, our Cancer Rehabilitation Program prioritizes your goals and well-being. We help you stay strong, active and supported during and after treatment.
MU Health Care’s Cancer Rehabilitation Program helps improve movement, manage side effects and provide complete care every step of the way.
No two cancer journeys are the same. That’s why we take the time to create a highly personalized cancer rehabilitation plan, with multiple specialists involved.
Our Approach to Cancer Rehabilitation Care
Whether you’re newly diagnosed, recovering from surgery or navigating long-term effects at Ellis Fischel Cancer Center or Goldschmidt Cancer Center, our team supports patients during and after cancer treatment.
We treat symptoms such as:
- Balance issues or difficulty walking
- Difficulty swallowing
- Fatigue and weakness
- Joint stiffness or pain
- Memory or focus changes ("chemo brain")
- Numbness or tingling from neuropathy
- Swelling from lymphedema
Services include:
We also offer:
- Prehabilitation before surgery or treatment
- Supportive therapy during chemotherapy or radiation
- Rehabilitation for long-term side effects
Team-Based Care
Our therapists work closely with your oncology providers for seamless, coordinated treatment. We also collaborate with:
- Inpatient therapy teams
- Medical and radiation oncologists
- Nurse navigators
- Oncology surgeons
- Primary care providers
What to Expect in Cancer Rehabilitation
Your rehab journey starts with a full evaluation and a care plan that reflects your needs, goals and cancer treatment.
Your First Visit
Your first visit includes a full evaluation to understand how cancer has affected your daily living.
We review your medical history, current treatment and personal goals. Assessments may include:
- Grip strength testing
- Limb volume measurements for lymphedema
- Memory and cognition screening
- Mobility and balance testing (e.g., Timed Up and Go)
- Speech assessments for clear speech following surgery and/or treatment
- Swallow assessments including clinical and formal assessments such as modified barium swallow (MBS) and fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES)
Ongoing Therapy
Our team will recommend a therapy schedule based on your needs. Therapy may involve weekly sessions during treatment to reduce side effects and post-treatment recovery care.
We check progress monthly and update your plan along the way as needed. Telehealth visits may also be available for your convenience, depending on your insurance.
