Oncology Rehabilitation

At the Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, we understand that cancer and its treatment can impair normal daily activities. Oncology rehabilitation (also called cancer rehabilitation) is a subspecialty of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) that focuses on maintaining and restoring the highest possible functional status and quality of life to patients with cancer, at all stages of treatment through survivorship.

 Oncology rehabilitation often involves a team of health care specialists working together with the patient to develop a personalized rehabilitation goal and plan. Led by a cancer rehabilitation physician, our physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech and language pathologists, and other oncology-trained support care staff work together with a targeted purpose – to help patients maintain or return to functional well-being.  

Whether it’s fatigue, neuropathy, pain, weakness, mobility difficulties, memory or attention difficulties, exacerbations of old injuries, or anything that can impair activities of daily living, our cancer rehabilitation team can help. 

When to Consult a Cancer Rehabilitation Physician

Patients who experience any of these issues should make an appointment with our cancer rehabilitation staff:

• Fatigue or weakness that limits activity
  
• Neuropathy that limits activity or impairs balance
• Falling or difficulty walking
• Difficulty with neuropathy
• Difficulty with dexterity or coordination
• Lymphedema from surgery
• Muscle, joint, or other pain that limits activity
• Changes in memory, attention span, or ability to focus
• Difficulty swallowing or speaking
• Long-term side effects from radiation such as radiation fibrosis syndrome
• Difficulty with any normal activities of daily living
• Difficulty returning to work

What Our Treatment Team Can Provide

• Physical therapy to assist with issues such as balance disorders, difficulty with walking, endurance, or pain
  
• Occupational therapy to assist with dexterity, coordination, range of motion deficits, pain, or lymphedema
  
• Speech therapy to help with cognition, speech and language, or swallowing issues
  

For more information or to make an appointment with a cancer rehabilitation physician, please call us at 214-645-HOPE (4673).