Oncology Therapy Services at Archbold
Cancer surgery and treatments can have an impact on your physical wellness including causing muscle weakness, limited range of motion, balance disorders, speech impairment and more. Participating in therapy services such as physical, occupational or speech therapy as part of your treatment process can help restore strength and mobility and help you along your journey to recovery.
Archbold’s therapists offer a wide variety of oncology therapy services and work closely alongside your care team so that we understand your medical history allowing us to set goals and customize a treatment plan that is right for you. During your first visit, we will perform a physical exam and functional tests that will set benchmarks for your range of motion, strength, and balance. The exam may include activities like timed walks, sitting and standing without support, or correcting balance after spinning in a circle.
Physical Therapy for Oncology Patients
Our physical therapists help patients diagnosed with cancer before and after surgery. We design individualized exercise and treatment programs to help reduce or prevent many cancer-related problems.
Before surgery, therapists evaluate individuals for any functional limitations and help address them. After surgery, therapists can help with scar management, pain, range of motion, mobility and regaining strength.
By designing individualized treatment programs, therapists help patients recover and heal faster than they would on their own.
Speech Therapy for Head and Neck Cancer
After a head or neck cancer diagnosis, a patient may be referred to a speech-language pathologist (SLP) to learn about changes they may experience during and after cancer treatment. An SLP is an important member of a cancer care team, as they can provide information regarding potential side effects on voice, speech and swallowing.
Patients receiving treatment for head and neck cancer may experience swallowing difficulties, such as food and liquids sticking in the throat, going into the airway or going up the nose. Therapy would focus on improving and maintaining range of motion and strength of swallowing muscles, as well as modifications to maximize swallow safety and efficiency,
Occupational Therapy for Breast Cancer
Many breast cancer patients experience shoulder issues brought on by cancer treatments, which can be addressed with therapy.
Occupational therapy interventions are comprehensive to not only establish baseline function and movement prior to cancer treatment but also to prevent or minimize functional deficits during and after treatment.
Our therapists will provide training on therapeutic range of motion exercises and muscle re-education techniques, in addition to manual therapy techniques for soft tissue and joint limitation.
Lymphedema Treatment by a Certified Lymphedema Therapist
Lymphedema is a build-up of fluid in the body and is a common condition. Cancer treatment such as radiation therapy can cause lymphedema in some patients, but it is treatable. Archbold’s Advanced Therapy and Sports Medicine is home to the only certified lymphedema therapist in the area. Our certified therapist is specially trained to treat the build-up of fluid and teach exercises and other techniques to help minimize future issues.
Helping Oncology Patients Heal (HOPE) Program
A collaboration between the Lewis Hall Singletary Oncology Center, Advanced Therapy and Sports Medicine and YMCA Thomasville, the free HOPE program is designed to help cancer patients improve the quality of their lives through exercise.
Interested participants will have an evaluation at Archbold’s Advanced Therapy and Sports Medicine facility to measure strength, flexibility and cardiovascular endurance.
Participating in HOPE requires a referral from the Lewis Hall Singletary Oncology Center.
To learn more, please visit https://ymca-thomasville.org/programs/healthy-living/hope-program.
Participating in HOPE requires a referral from the Lewis Hall Singletary Oncology Center.
You can ask your oncologist for a referral for therapy services, or your providers may recommend therapy services with us to help minimize challenges during treatment or recovery.