Cancer Treatment Minimizing the After Effects

 I often refer my patients to Henry Mayo Hospital’s Physical Therapy department. The needs of my patients are varied but the amazing therapists at HMH always know what to do and have helped every one of them. I have invited Elizabeth to enlighten us so that patients might be aware of the resources available to them right here in the Santa Clarita Valley.
A diagnosis of breast or other female cancers may be devastating but the Henry Mayo Physical and Occupational Therapy Lymphedema team can be there for you! Our job as Cancer Rehabilitation Therapists is to work with your oncology physicians to ensure you have the best possible quality of life during and after cancer treatments. Patients are often unaware of the possible consequences of life saving cancer treatments. In breast, uterine or ovarian cancer patients, loss of lymph nodes, surgical scars and radiation fibrosis can lead to a loss of mobility as well as lymphedema (swelling that occurs in a body part when the lymphatic system is compromised) of the breast, arms, legs, or genitals. Chemotherapy and hormone suppression therapy can drop a woman hard and fast into a deeper menopause than normal which can lead to bowel, bladder, sexual and abdominal dysfunction. Our Certified Lymphedema and Pelvic Floor therapists can help address all these issues.
Treatments are individualized to meet your lifestyle needs and may include manual therapy, compression bandaging, specialized lymphedema pumps, cold laser, Physiotouch as well as assessment for day and night time compression garments. So, don’t panic, prevention of treatment side effects is available! Contact us at: 661-200-1550 or Emakousthelymphemaniac@gmail.com.
Join us next month when Elizabeth explains modalities available for benign pelvic issues. To schedule an appointment at Pat News Health Care call 661-799-7000.