Cancer and cancer treatments may weaken your body and impact your ability to participate in everyday activities. The oncology rehabilitation program, a collaboration between Baptist Health’s Gloria Drummond Physical Rehabilitation Institute and Lynn Cancer Institute, addresses these issues, allowing you to live life to its fullest before, during and after your treatment.
Our oncology rehabilitation program helps you regain function that has been lost, impaired or weakened by cancer or cancer treatment. Expert physical, occupational and speech therapists work with you and your oncologist to develop an evidence-based treatment plan.
Who benefits from oncology rehabilitation?
Oncology rehabilitation addresses side effects related to cancer and its treatment. You may benefit from rehab at any point in your treatment.
We can help with side effects such as:
- Pain
- Joint stiffness or reduced range of motion
- Weakness, fatigue and reduced endurance
- Poor coordination and balance
- Memory loss or attention-span decline
- Difficulty swallowing or speaking
- Lymphedema or swelling
- Bowel and bladder incontinence
- Limitations with activities such as bathing, dressing or cooking
What will happen when I come to the oncology rehabilitation program?
During your first visit to the oncology rehab program at the Gloria Drummond Physical Rehabilitation Institute, you’ll discuss your health history and therapy goals with your therapist. Your therapist will conduct tests to see how well you can perform certain tasks.
Using this information, your therapist will create a plan to achieve your goals. During the first session, expect to be in our center for about an hour.
What does the oncology rehab program offer?
Our collaborative program combines the expertise of several therapy disciplines from The Gloria Drummond Physical Rehabilitation Institute.
Physical and occupational therapists assist with:
- Pain management
- Walking
- Endurance training
- Balance and coordination
- Fine-motor skills
- Cognition and memory
- Daily activities
Certified lymphedema physical therapists offer treatment and education for swelling in your extremities, trunk or neck that often follows cancer treatment. Using a noninvasive SOZO® test, our therapists monitor signs of lymphedema so it can be treated at its earliest stages.
Cancer treatment sometimes decreases your ability to swallow or speak. Our speech therapists provide swallowing therapy, communication enhancement strategies and vocal strengthening, along with memory enhancement techniques you can use at home.
Pelvic floor physical therapists provide treatment for men and women with loss of bladder or bowel control, pain, pelvic prolapse and other gynecological or urinary issues that decrease your quality of life.
Does insurance pay for oncology rehabilitation?
In most cases, insurance pays for oncology rehabilitation. However, you will need a referral from your doctor before scheduling an appointment with our team.
Should I have oncology rehabilitation before my cancer treatment?
Some people benefit from oncology rehabilitation before starting cancer treatment. Rehab can help you increase your strength and endurance so you can withstand the rigors of cancer treatment.
How can I make an appointment?
Our oncology rehabilitation program is located at the Gloria Drummond Physical Rehabilitation Institute, 650 Glades Road Boca Raton, FL 33431.
Where is the program located?
Your oncologist or nurse navigator will send a referral for oncology rehab to our office. After the referral is sent, please call 561-955-2100 to make an appointment.
