Frequently Asked Questions

  • Cancer rehabilitation is a program that helps cancer survivors achieve and maintain their maximal physical, social and cognitive level of function within the limits created by cancer and its treatments.

  • Cancer rehabilitation, or rehab, is part of oncology care and treats the side effects of cancer. Cancer rehab can help lessen cancer treatment symptoms and issues that impact daily activity.

    The goal is to restore quality of life and return those affected to the activities that matter most. Cancer rehabilitation can help at any point in the cancer journey – before, during or after treatment.

  • Several types of rehabilitation therapists may be involved in your care.

    Physical therapists, or PT’s, typically address issues like pain, weakness, mobility, gait, balance, neuropathy (numbness and tingling in hands and feet), deconditioning, lymphedema and pelvic floor problems (incontinence, sexual dysfunction).

    Occupational therapists, or OT’s, help people carry out day-to-day activities as safely and independently as possible. This may include bathing, dressing, eating, returning to work and taking care of children.  OT’s also focus on cognitive issues such as forgetfulness or concentration. In some settings, lymphedema and pelvic floor problems are managed by specially trained OT’s.

    Speech language pathologists, or SLP’s, typically manage issues with speech and swallowing. SLP’s also address cognitive issues such as forgetfulness, concentration and word-finding difficulties.

  • You may benefit from cancer rehabilitation at any point in your cancer journey. Research shows that individuals who start rehab before treatment, or prehab, experience fewer side effects, have faster recoveries and enjoy a better quality of life.

  • Our ReVital program offers a variety of therapies.  We create a customized treatment plan based on the individual physical, functional and cognitive issues each patient is facing.

    Based on patient needs, a customized plan can include one or a combination of the following:

    • Physical therapy
    • Occupational therapy
    • Speech-language therapy

    During your first visit, you will meet with your therapist(s) who will develop a tailored treatment plan with input from you and your doctor. This includes answering questions, talking about your personal goals, deciding how many times you should see the therapist each week, how many weeks you will need therapy, home programs, education and what is expected after discharge from therapy.

  • While our ReVital therapists have extensive training and are extremely familiar with diagnoses common to cancer survivors, a formal diagnosis should come from your physician.

  • Cancer rehabilitation, or rehab, is part of oncology care that treats the side effects of cancer. The goal is to restore quality of life and help those affected return to the activities that matter most. Cancer rehabilitation can help at any point in the cancer journey – before, during or after treatment.

    Newly diagnosed or new cancer treatment: Prehabilitation

    Prehabilitation, also known as prehab, occurs before an individual starts cancer treatment. Prehabilitation helps those affected prepare for surgery, chemo or immunotherapy, and hormonal or radiation therapy.

    Active treatment: Rehabilitation

    Comprehensive cancer rehabilitation is a key to recovery throughout treatment. Staying active is incredibly important during treatment. Learning how to safely exercise and maintain mobility while addressing any physical, functional and cognitive needs that arise is critical for recovery.

    After treatment/survivorship: Rehabilitation

    Following these therapy sessions, cancer rehabilitation goals can focus on any long- or late-term effects of treatment.

  • Optimal therapy management of cancer-related issues requires additional knowledge and skills. All ReVital cancer rehabilitation therapists are trained in the management of physical impairments and functional limitations associated with cancer and its treatment. ReVital cancer rehabilitation therapists have been educated in the latest evidence-based, best practice management techniques. They also participate in ongoing education to ensure they remain current.

  • Absolutely. Cancer rehabilitation is a team effort and we count on input from your physician and care team. To learn if cancer rehab is right for you, give us a call. After discussing your specific needs, we will give you a better idea if our services can help.

    You can also speak with your physician. If they are not sure, they are welcome to contact us to discuss whether adding rehab is right for your treatment plan.

  • Yes, there is considerable evidence supporting the safety and efficacy of therapy for patients during chemotherapy and radiation therapy. ReVital-certified therapists are specially trained to work with you to modify your therapy program as needed to accommodate the various medical issues that often accompany these treatments.

  • If you are experiencing fatigue, it is important to attend your therapy appointment and discuss any concerns with your therapist. Your therapist will help modify your treatments to gain the maximum benefit, participate in therapy and hit your goal.

    Exercising during treatment is recommended for patients with cancer. Research demonstrates those who exercise actually improve their overall endurance by up to 50 percent. ReVital therapists are experts in cancer and can help you understand how exercise can positively affect your rehabilitation.

  • For many cancer survivors, one of the primary objectives is pain relief. We use a variety of treatments including hands-on techniques and modalities such as ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and/or heat or cold therapy to improve pain. Movement often helps relieve pain as well. Your therapist will provide exercises designed to help with pain relief recovery of range of motion, strength and endurance.

    In certain instances, therapy techniques can be uncomfortable such as when recovering shoulder range of motion after surgery. Your therapist will utilize a variety of techniques to help maximize your functional recovery. It is important that you communicate the intensity, frequency and duration of pain to your therapist. Without this information, it is difficult for the therapist to adjust your treatment plan.

  • Optimal therapy management of cancer-related issues requires additional knowledge and skill sets that not all therapists have. All ReVital cancer rehabilitation therapists are trained in managing physical impairments and functional limitations associated with cancer and its treatment. They have been educated in the most current, evidence-based best practice management techniques. In addition, ReVital therapists participate in ongoing education to ensure they remain on the cutting-edge of treatments.

  • All ReVital clinicians are licensed therapists within their respective states. Your therapist can tell you more about their credentials, licensing and ReVital certification training.

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