oncology

PT Oncology Response Team

Improving the scope of available services for women and men after cancer.

Recovering from the trauma and medical treatment of breast cancer, ovarian or uterine cancer and prostate cancer can be overwhelming. What can you expect before and after treatment and surgery?

The physical therapists of the PT Oncology Response Team all have specific expertise to help serve the needs of those who are suffering side effects from their cancer treatment.

Breat Cancer

Endometrial /Uterine Cancer

Cervical Cancer

Ovarian Cancer – leading cause of cancer

Colorectal Cancer

Prostate Cancer

“Survivorship care”

Silent signs of menopause (either surgical induced menopause or chemotherapy induced menopause)

Upon Breast Cancer Diagnosis...

Upon diagnosis of breast cancer, physical therapy treatment would help to benefit in the prevention of long term deficits including lymphedema, axillary cording/webbing, and loss of motion.

Prior to surgery, physical therapy assessment is encouraged to establish baseline measurements for circumference of arm and hand, ROM in shoulder and provide basic precautions and restrictions and provide a home exercise program to begin 2 weeks post op.

For prior treatments such as radiation, physical therapy helps to relieve range of motion restriction, pain and functional limitation.

In the event of surgeries such as a masectomy or lumpectomy, manual treatment of axillary cording can prevent long term deficit.

PT’s that specialize in Breast Cancer Rehab:

Beth Kennedy – Red Bank

Kim Kuiken – Lakewood

Julia Guerrero – Colts Neck

Brianna Pitre – Colts Neck

Gynocological Cancer

After treatment, you would benefit from seeing a Pelvic Floor PT to help address any bowel and bladder changes, sexual function changes and pelvic/vulvar pain.

It is common for gynecological cancer survivors to report one of the following: urinary dysfunction, bowel dysfunction, sexual dysfunction, pelvic pain, lymphedema, abdominal pain and bloating, scar tissue

Four main types of gyecological cancers (endometrial, ovarian, cervical, vaginal/vulvar) and signs and symptoms vary. Medical treatment may include surgical, chemotherapy, radiation or hormone therapy. Many of these treatments have side effects resulting in bowel, bladder and sexual dysfunction as well as lymphedema and pain. These can be treated by a physical therapist.

Another side effect from surgical interventions is scar tissue and adhesions. Many of these tissues are already sensitive and in vulnerable areas, creating increased guarding and pain in response to the surgery. Myofascial release and scar mobilization can help to reduce related pain and dysfunction. Pelvic radiation can also cause scar tissue directly to tissue or those in the area. As a result, often times women experience vaginal stenosis, resulting in narrowing of the vaginal canal most often creating pain with sexual activity. Physical therapy techniques, including soft tissue mobility, fascial release, stretching and education on home programs can help to improve related dysfunction.

PT’s that specialize in Gynocological Cancer Side Effects:

Kim Kuiken – Lakewood

Julia Guerrero – Colts Neck

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