With advances in both the detection and medical interventions for cancer within the last decades, cancer survivorship has increased. Despite such an increase in survival rates, for many people cancer interventions cause significant changes to their bodies, leaving them with many physical, cognitive and emotional side-effects.
While most people are aware of the side effects related to cancer treatments, little recognize that such side effects can be long lasting and linger for months to years after treatment. Research strongly supports that cancer rehabilitation and exercise plays a vital role in both preventing and reducing these side effects. Cancer rehabilitation helps individuals to return to work, home life and regular activities during and after treatment.
Our Cancer Rehabilitation program was developed, in collaboration with experts in the field of oncology, with the goal of helping cancer patients to optimize their function, well-being and quality of life throughout their cancer journey.
How our cancer rehabilitation services can help you
If you are experiencing any side effects from your cancer treatments, our cancer rehabilitation team can help you. Whether you are newly diagnosed, undergoing active treatment or are in remission, our role is to help you overcome any cancer-related side effects and achieve any and all goals that you may have. We will work with you to resolve and improve symptoms such as:
- Pain
- Weakness
- Fatigue or loss of energy
- Decreased limb movement
- Scar tissue restrictions or tightness
- Swelling or Lymphedema
- Difficulty participating in your hobbies or activities
- Difficulty with physical or mental activities at home or at work
- Axillary web syndrome
- Chemo-induced peripheral neuropathy (tingling or numbness in hands and/or feet)
- Radiation fibrosis
Inter-disciplinary Team
Our cancer rehabilitation services include a wide range of therapies designed to help you get back to doing the things that you love. Our team of therapists are uniquely qualified in cancer rehabilitation and will work closely with you and your oncologist to provide you with a personalized rehabilitation plan.
Your cancer rehabilitation team may consist of a combination of:
- Physiotherapy
- Pelvic Health Physiotherapy
- Occupational therapy
- Acupuncture
- Athletic Therapy
- Massage therapy
- Nutrition
What to expect at your initial appointment
At Kinatex, we understand that each person living with cancer will experience unique challenges throughout their treatments and survivorship. As such, prior to meeting your rehabilitation therapist, you will be asked to complete a questionnaire about your cancer treatments and side-effects. The questionnaire will help your therapist to identify and understand your unique concerns and needs as well as your personal goals.
Your therapist will then perform a comprehensive assessment of your physical and/or mental health, in order to provide you with a personalized rehabilitation plan. From there, your rehabilitation team will work with you towards achieving your goals, by helping you to manage and overcome any side effects and functional limitations.
Your individualized treatment plan
Your rehabilitation therapist will use a variety of treatment techniques to address your side effects and optimize your function. Your treatment plan may include a combination of interventions such as myofascial release, soft-tissue mobilization, manual therapy, exercises, massage therapy, lymphedema education and management, gait re-training, cognitive behavioral therapy, energy conservation techniques, desensitization exercises, acupuncture and much more.
Our team is committed to providing you with the tools and education needed to help you thrive during and after your cancer. We are here to provide you with guidance, support and care throughout every step of your recovery.
We offer this program in partnership with the Fondation cancer du sein du Québec.
