PHYSICAL THERAPY
Oncological Physical Therapy
Cascade Health’s board-certified cancer physical therapist, Andréa Leiserowitz, PT, DPT, CLT, is devoted to compassionately helping adults and children with a cancer diagnosis realize the benefits of physical therapy before, during and after treatment.
Working with you as a supportive partner, she will create a therapeutic program to reduce the pain and symptoms often associated with both cancer and cancer treatments.
About Physical Therapy for Cancer
Oncologic physical therapy can have a profoundly positive impact on how you feel and how well you recover from treatment. This type of physical therapy focuses on reducing cancer-related pain, alleviating symptoms like swelling disorders and improving your long-term health.
Physical therapy, including weight training, is safe for most people with cancer. Our specialist has experience and will assess your medical history and condition to ensure it is safe for you before tailoring a program to match your capabilities.
✅ Help you stay mobile and build strength and balance to avoid loss of bone and muscle mass.
✅ Restore movement in stiff joints.
✅ Assist you in regaining function or adapting to changes in your abilities so you can continue to perform everyday tasks at home and at work.
✅ Improve sleep.
✅ Improve your mood.
✅ Improve your memory and attention.
How Can Physical Therapy Help?
✅ Reduce pain and discomfort from cancer and cancer treatments.
✅ Improve heart and lung capacity and reduce fatigue.
✅ Prevent bone loss and build bone strength.
✅ Prevent or reduce lymphedema/swelling.
✅ Treat scar tissue
✅ Maintain a healthy body weight and reduce your risk of developing other chronic conditions.
Loss of endurance and cardiovascular function
Loss of strength
Lymphedema (swelling)
Neuropathy (pain, tingling and numbness)
Balance issues
Cancer and treatment related pain
Difficulty completing daily tasks
Fatigue
Immobility
What Cancer-Related Symptoms Can Physical Therapy Treat?
What Treatments are Available?
Movement is the core of physical therapy for cancer, and we will work with you to develop a regiment that fits your lifestyle and capabilities. We offer a variety of patient-specific treatment. We include activitiesto improve muscle and bone mass, increase flexibility and joint range of motion. In addition to exercise, we may use other treatments and education to address other issues.
Adaptive techniques and training in assistive devices
Bracing
Posture and ergonomic training
Lifestyle recommendations
Stretching and mobility exercises
Strengthening and stabilization exercises
Pelvic floor therapy
Manual therapy like massage and joint movement
Balance exercises
Occupational therapy to regain the ability to complete daily tasks
Electrical stimulation
Lymphedema management, including bandaging, manual lymphatic drainage and garment recommendations
Wound care and scar massage
Surgery preparation
Physical therapy might sound daunting for cancer survivors, but our oncologic physical therapist has the expertise to help you incorporate movement and other therapies into your life gently, so you can get the benefits without feeling overwhelmed.
As with any of our physical therapy programs, we approach oncologic physical therapy as a collaboration. We will begin by reviewing your medical records, talking to you about your symptoms and measuring your pain, range of motion, strength, endurance, balance and swelling. Together, you will set goals for your therapy, and she will create a customized plan using different types of movement, massage. We will encourage you while tracking your progress. As you continue with therapy, you will regularly check in to make sure your plan is working for you and make adjustments when necessary. Your progress will be reported back to your oncologist or referring physician regularly.
Our Approach
If you have been diagnosed with cancer and wish to retain as much of your physical capabilities as possible through your treatment and recovery.
If cancer or cancer treatments have affected your ability to work or complete daily tasks.
If you are constantly tired or experience “chemo brain” (forgetfulness, inability to concentrate or multitask, etc.).
If you are unable to do things you love because your body is not working the way it used to or you are in pain.
You are recovering from surgery or other medical procedures and need post-operative rehabilitation to restore function and avoid long-term disability.
For more information about becoming a patient and what to expect, please visit our patient information page.