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).
