LIVING Life After Cancer

Physical, occupational, or speech therapy treatments are routine for patients who have had joint replacements, or a stroke. But what about oncology patients? According to the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer, rehabilitation services are “an absolutely essential part of cancer care”. Many oncology patients undergo debilitating treatments such as chemotherapy, radiationand surgery but unfortunately are not prescribed the comprehensive rehabilitation services they need to address the resulting physical impairments.

Once patients have completed treatment they “fall through the cracks”. Their cancer may be gone but they can’t move and function like they need to in order to return to a normal life. Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation can cause weakness, fatigue, pain, numbness, and unsteadiness. Patients may have difficulty with daily activities such as walking, writing, grooming and eating. Some, such as those who have had head and neck cancer, have difficulty swallowing, or with speech and neck movements after treatment. Patients may suffer from chronic swelling, known as lymphedema, as a result of damage to the lymphatic system. All of these impairments and functional limitations can be addressed by either physical, occupational or speech therapy.

According to Jeremy Frye, PT, DPT Director for Outpatient Rehabilitation Services at CVMC, “Healthcare in general needs to do a better job of helping cancer survivors live their lives”.

CVMC’s Center for Rehabilitationoffers comprehensive rehabilitation services tailored specifically to cancer patients and their unique therapeutic needs. We also offer a Medical Fitness Association certified fitness center. For more information on how rehabilitation services may be beneficial to you or your loved one, please contact the Center for Rehabilitation which is located at 810 Fairgrove Church Rd SE, Hickory, NC 28602 by calling 828-326-2131 or emailjfrye@catawbavalleymc.org.We offer a number of programs to help cancer survivors live their lives to the fullest – Jeremy Frye, PT, DPT director of outpatient rehabilitation services at CVMC,

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