Oncology
Cancer Rehabilitation
According to the American Cancer Society, exercise has been shown to improve cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength, body composition, fatigue, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, and happiness in cancer survivors.
At Bartley Physical therapy we offer cancer rehabilitation designed specifically for the individual’s unique situation and phase of treatment. You may still be having treatment, or you may have been given the all clear by your oncologist, but….
You are experiencing pain, stiffness, weakness, fatigue, numbness, or loss of balance.
We can help! We have extensive training in what happens to the body during cancer treatment, and how to help muscles, joints and nerves recover.
We believe that physical therapy is an essential component in achieving a full, functional recovery following oncology-related treatment and work closely with your referring oncologist to optimize each of our patients outcomes. With the medical supervision and emotional support of a trained physical therapist we achieve faster, safer results!
Nicole Tapking, DPT, CSCS
Dr. Tapking received her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Southern California in 2004 and her strength and conditioning certification in 2005 and runs the cancer rehabilitation program at Bartley PT.
She has received extensive training from American Physical Therapy Association-sponsored courses in:
- Foundations of Oncology for Physical Therapists
- Breast Cancer Rehabilitation: What every outpatient clinician needs to know
- Advanced Oncology Rehabilitation
- Guide to Exercise and Cancer Survivorship
Physical Therapy Interventions
Acute Post-Surgical Impairments
- Edema, pain, and scar management
Muscle Impairments and Joint Restrictions
- Increasing range of motion
- Treatment of tendinopathies
- Increasing mobility of shoulder joint, cervical and thoracic spine, scapula and rib cage
Poor Endurance and Balance
- Developing a specific cardiovascular exercise program reflective of the cancer treatment
- Balance and fall prevention program
Lymphedema
- Addressing muscle restrictions and atrophy that may lead to accumulation of lymph fluid
- Teaching self-management techniques
Axillary Web Syndrome
- Addressing soft tissue and edema issues that could contribute to the presence of a cord
Identifying and Addressing Effects of Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy
- Joint pain, fatigue, neuropathy, osteopenia/osteoporosis, radiation fibrosis
