How can we help?
Cancer Rehabilitation
Cancer and cancer treatments can impact the body, and cause a number of physical problems that physiotherapy can assist with. These include pain, fatigue, and musculoskeletal problems (including scarring, radiation fibrosis, loss of movement, weakness, nerve damage). There are things that can be done to help these common side-effects.
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Physiotherapists are experts in movement and function. We use a range of different techniques including manual therapies, education, lifestyle advice and exercise prescription to support your recovery at any stage of your cancer journey.
Breast Cancer Rehabilitation
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in Australian women. The side-effects of breast cancer treatment are wide-ranging, and physiotherapy can assist with recovery at any stage of your cancer journey. This might include; - Pre-habilitation. Commenced prior to surgery or during neo-adjuvant chemotherapy, pre-habilitation establishes a baseline level of function and allows you to begin a targeted program to go into treatment in the best condition possible. Pre-habilitation allows you to be as prepared as possible for for each step of your cancer journey with an individualised approach. - Post-operative rehabilitation addresses issue which arise after surgery. We restore shoulder range of movement with targeted exercises, manual therapy, scar therapy; and address issues such as nerve pain, cording and seroma. - Monitoring throughout chemotherapy and radiotherapy with a focus on maintaining physical activity and reducing fatigue, continue to address shoulder and chest wall mobility and provide support with peripheral neuropathies, radiation fibrosis and other concerns. - Lymphoedema surveillance and management. The Australasian Lymphology Association recommends women with breast cancer who are at high risk of lymphoedema have regular check-ups to detect lymphoedema early. We can discuss your individual level of risk and determine the best surveillance plan for you. If you do develop lymphoedema, an individualised treatment plan can be developed. - Long-term rehabilitation through survivorship. This might include continuing to address issues which developed during intensive treatment; and address issues which can arise while on anti-oestrogen treatment such as decreased bone-mineral density, joint aches and pains and pelvic floor changes.
Exercise Therapy
Exercise is an important part of rehabilitation, during and after your cancer diagnosis. Regular exercise improves strength and fitness, as well as quality of life. It reduces fatigue, pain and lymphoedema. The Clinical Oncology Society of Australia recommends that people with cancer avoid inactivity and return to usual daily activities as soon as possible, participating in; - 150 minutes of moderate intensity (or 75 minutes of vigorous intensity) cardiovascular exercise, - and 2 to 3 sessions of resistance-based exercise per week ​After a cancer diagnosis, your exercise program must be individualised and developed by a physiotherapist experienced in exercise prescription for people with cancer.
Lymphoedema Assessment and Management
Lymphoedema is a common problem after cancer treatment. We provide lymphoedema assessment, monitoring and management. Treatment includes manual lymphatic drainage, bandaging and compression garments, compression pump systems. Our treatment is designed with a self-management program that works for you.
Women's and Men's Health
Cancer and cancer treatments can impact the pelvic floor. This can include problems with bladder or bowel control, fibrosis or pain. Common issues include; - Bladder or bowel control issues following pelvic radiation - Vaginal stenosis following pelvic brachytherapy - Genitourinary syndrome associated with anti-oestrogen therapy for breast cancer. - Urinary incontinence, urgency and erectile dysfunction following treatment for prostate cancer (post-prostatectomy or radiation) We provide an individualised approach to managing these sensitive issues with additional skills in the assessment and management of pelvic floor disorders.
