Cancer Rehabilitation
Chemotherapy, radiation and sometimes surgery are common treatments for
people diagnosed with cancer. But almost every cancer patient can benefit
from Cancer Rehabilitation at any point in their treatment, even when
their disease is in remission.
Cancer Rehab is different from orthopedic physical therapy for injuries
to knees or other joints and can help with swelling, mobility and pain.
Cancer Rehab can help patients relearn how to go about activities of daily
living and even teach the nerves and brain the correct gait or walking patterns.
Early intervention with rehab while patients are still undergoing treatment
lets patients and providers set goals for successful outcomes and begin
a relationship with their therapist for an additional support system.
Dr. Pauline Lerma, Medical Oncologist and
Stacey Hastreiter, Oncology Nurse Practitioner, feel that Oncology Rehab will provide a
missing component in their treatment of cancer patients at the
Heptner Cancer Center.
Cancer Rehabilitation services are covered by most insurances plans and
requires a referral from a physician or advance practice provider. Referrals
can be made regardless of where the patient is in their cancer treatment phase.