Brianna Obert, MSPT, CLT, RYT, treating a breast cancer patientOne of our experienced therapists,
Brianna Obert, MSPT, CLT, RYT,
treating a breast cancer patient
We have an enormous amount of experience in providing rehabilitation services for patients who have undergone or who are currently undergoing treatment for breast cancer. We also treat male breast cancer patients and patients who have undergone prophylactic breast cancer treatment. Our Clinical Director, Julia Osborne, PT, CLT-LANA has developed the progressive treatment protocols practiced in our clinic and she teaches these to clinicians across the US, Canada, and as far afield as Hong Kong.

For too long Lymphedema Management has been passed off as Oncology Rehabilitation and has acted as the sole trigger for referral to Physical or Occupational Therapy. While Lymphedema Management is definitely a facet of rehabilitation from cancer treatment, it is only a part of the overall treatment that patients should be receiving. Generally, breast cancer patients will undergo several phases in their treatment including interventions like surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy -  rehabilitation should address the effects of each of these treatments on the body. 
We have a team of dedicated breast cancer rehabilitation specialists who are incredibly passionate about providing leading-edge oncology specific treatment for patients post-mastectomy, post-lumpectomy, after reconstructive surgery and during (and following) both chemotherapy and radiation.

Our best results are achieved with early referral (2-3 weeks post-surgery or during active chemotherapy and/or radiation) but the rehabilitation we provide is also effective at addressing the long-term sequelae of cancer treatments even years after active treatment.

We treat the full range of conditions resulting from your treatment but, in addition, our deep & progressive understanding of the lymphatic system during the recovery stages post-surgery and radiation, will help enormously in reducing the risk of developing lymphedema. A cornerstone of our practice is risk reduction with early intervention but we are also the foremost experts in managing the condition if it does develop.

Our goal is to help our patients live their lives as normally, as fully and as actively as possible - both during cancer treatment and for years to come.

All breast cancer patients can benefit from therapy but here are some questions to help you identify your own need for rehabilitation.

Do I need rehab - Key Questions:

Do you feel tightness in your armpit and chest with your arms up over your head?
Do you see or feel thin cord-like bands in your armpit?
Do you notice fluid collecting and/or thickening tissue in your incision area?
Does your arm brush against swelling on the side of your chest area?
Do you notice weakness in your affected shoulder or arm?
Do you have achiness / heaviness or fatigue in your arm or side as your activity levels increase?
Do you have tightness around your chest after surgery and/or receiving radiation therapy?
Do you have any discomfort from expanders or implants after reconstructive surgery?
Do you have treatment-related pain?
Do you ever feel off-balance or dizzy?
Do you experience tingling or numbness in your extremities?
Are you feeling generally weak or is your fatigue disproportionate to the activity you are doing?
We provide rehabilitation services for:
  • Breast Surgery / Lumpectomy / Mastectomy
  • All Reconstructive Surgeries
  • The Joint/Muscle side effects from Tamoxifen and Aromatase Inhibitors
  • Chemotherapy Toxicity (fatigue, neuropathy, de-conditioning)
  • Radiation Therapy
  • Lymphedema Risk Reduction and Lymphedema Management
Our therapy can help with the full range of conditions resulting from your treatment:
  • Pain
  • Stiffness
  • Loss of Function
  • Cording
  • Scar Tissue & fibrosis
  • Weakness
  • Fatigue
  • Restricted range of motion
  • Difficulties with integration back into work, home and recreational activities
At Oncology Rehab, we adopt a body-systems approach to address the impact that your treatment has had on all of your body's systems (Epidermal, Dermal, Myofascial, Skeletal, Lymphatic, Vascular and Neural).
Evaluation & Plan
We perform an initial evaluation that looks at the whole person and which phase of cancer treatment you are undergoing or whether you have completed your active treatment phases.

We center on your goals and needs and, if necessary, we will prioritize and work on the most important issues first.

You will usually work with one main therapist for the duration of your treatment plan with us but your therapist may refer you internally for certain facets of your care to ensure you maximize the benefit from your treatment sessions. The core treatment, however, will be performed by your assigned therapist who takes overall charge of your case at Oncology Rehab.
Treatment
Our core treatment usually focuses on our unique progressive manual therapy techniques. These treatments are one-on-one and hands-on in a private treatment room. We will also often arrange periodic consultations with our oncology exercise specialists and, if necessary, our neuro-oncology specialist to address any chemo toxicity issues you may be experiencing.

As we progress with your treatment plan, we may start incorporating light exercises and stretches to enhance the effectiveness of the manual therapy.

Later in your treatment, you can opt to start integrating appropriate levels of Pilates and Yoga into your plan and nutrition consultations are also available.