Cancer Rehabilitation

Key Information

• Chemotherapy, surgery and radiation can take a great toll on the body
• Our goal is to empower patients to take an active role in their survivorship and to attain the best quality of life during and after treatment

Signs That You May Need Rehab Services

• Feeling weaker or less flexible
• Wondering how to prevent Lymphedema
• Experiencing aches and pains
• Feeling more tired (cancer related fatigue)
• Uncertain about how much or how to best exercise
• Osteoporosis
• TMJ tightness or pain
• Wanting to positively affect your blood cell counts during cancer treatment
• Physical difficulties related neuropathy

Cancer Related Fatigue

A persistent sense of tiredness interfering with daily life that is the most common long term side effect of treatment. Your fatigue may make the idea of getting up and moving feel very difficult, but research has shown that those who exercised routinely had 40% to 50% less fatigue and significantly decreased their risk of cancer recurrence.

Radiation Fibrosis Muscle Weakness

Radiation therapy causes inflammation and altered tissue remodeling that can cause scar tissue, decreased flexibility, and muscle weakness during the months and years following radiation. Your physical therapist will use skilled manual therapy techniques and provide an effective strengthening and stretching program to treat these side effects. 

Lymphedema Treatment

Lymphedema i debilitating condition characterized by progressive swelling.  Lymphedema occurs when the lymphatic system has been impaired and can result from cancer treatment, congenital defects, trauma or surgery.  Lymphedema can also occur after years of damaging swelling from conditions like venous insufficiency and obesity that eventually can impair the lymphatic system. In addition to difficulties with daily functioning, high levels of protein-rich fluid  triggers chronic inflammation, fibrosis and a high risk of infection. The good news is that lymphedema can be effectively managed and treated with physical therapy by providing a massage technique called Manual Lymphatic Drainage, skilled compression bandaging, movement and skin care. KORT has multiple therapists certified to treat lymphedema including:

• Audrey Stockwell, Clinic Director, PT, DPT, OCS, CLT at KORT Highlands
• Jane Murphy, MHS, OTR/L, CHT at KORT Shively
• Melanie Booker, PT, DPT, CLT, MDT at KORT Bardstown
• Sheila Guess, Clinic Director, PT, CLT at KORT Clarksville
• Janelle Ciolek Caudill, Clinic Director, PT, DPT, OCS, CLT at KORT OBC
• Katelyn Ackerman, PT, DPT, CLT at KORT Frankfort

Cancer Rehab is offered at the following locations: