Alert Banner Warning

Important Notice Regarding Medication Prescriptions for AHN Patients

Alert Banner X

Oncology Rehabilitation

Cancer treatment doesn’t always end with surgical, medical, or other therapeutic procedures. If you’re struggling to return to “normal” life after treatment, oncology rehabilitation can help you get back to the life you’re used to.

Cancer patients can rely on AHN’s specially trained therapists to recover normal function and improve their quality of life throughout treatment and recovery.

When should you consider cancer rehab?

  • Before treatment: Baseline strength and endurance exercises can better prepare you for your treatment.
  • During treatment: Specialized physical therapy can safely address and reduce functional declines.
  • After treatment: Therapists can help you get back to your daily physical activity levels and begin a lifelong commitment to exercise. Regular exercise has been shown to decrease recurrence of some cancers.

Signs that you may benefit from cancer rehab

Ask your doctor for a referral if you’re experiencing:

  • Fatigue or weakness. 
  • Restricted motion. 
  • Tightness in soft tissues and “pulling” in scars. 
  • Poor balance or falling.
  • Lymphedema or edema. 
  • Neuropathy: bothersome tingling or pain in feet or hands.
  • Trouble completing daily activities or participating in family and community life.

For palliative patients and caregivers 

For patients at the end-stages of cancer, rehab can help maintain function and slow decline, instilling greater confidence and independence. We train caregivers on safely assisting and moving patients at home. We also help patients get medical equipment and connect them to other resources.

Why should you choose AHN oncology rehabilitation services?

AHN’s trained therapists focus on you and your concerns about performing daily activities. We collaborate with your physicians and keep them fully informed of your progress.

In addition, we have certified lymphedema therapists who can manage the condition early, reducing potential long-term side effects like excessive swelling, recurrent cellulitis, reduced function, and pain.

What to expect

First, we will work with you to assess your ability to function and develop an individual care plan.

Your plan of rehab care typically includes:

  • Exercises to improve soft tissue mobility and to develop strength, balance, and endurance. 
  • Interventions to reduce pain and swelling.
  • Education for you and your caregivers on dealing with functional limitations at home.

We’ll try to make the process as convenient as possible. We’ll do our best to minimize follow-up appointments and focus on a home program while continuing to monitor your progress. We’ll also coordinate your rehab sessions to avoid conflicts with your cancer treatments and other appointments.

Request a referral

Your physician will need to make a referral to start you on an oncology rehab program. Talk to your doctor right away to determine whether you can benefit from treatment.

Contact us

Call the AHN Cancer Help Line anytime at (412) NURSE-4-U (412) 687-7348 to schedule a cancer-related appointment or to just talk with our nurses about diagnoses, treatments, and side effects.