When you’re dealing with the effects of cancer and cancer treatment, UM Upper Chesapeake Health’s rehabilitation services can help you regain strength, flexibility and the movement you need for daily activities.
We offer programs to help alleviate treatment side effects, strengthen your body, recover from surgery and more.
Many cancer treatment plans include surgery. Any surgery may cause a temporary decrease in strength and function and an increase in pain. Rehabilitation professionals are available to assist during that recovery to return you to your optimal level of function.
Chemo brain is an expression for the thinking and memory problems that can occur during cancer treatment. The goal of this therapy is to maintain current cognitive function and minimize any decline. It may include activities such as mental puzzles, physical exercise and even meditation. Be sure to let your care team know if you notice any mental changes, no matter how small they may be.
Some chemotherapy drugs can cause damage in the nerves of the arms and legs. Many times, when the nerves in the legs are affected, patients may experience decreased confidence with walking and balance. We offer comprehensive balance assessment to help you better understand your symptoms. You can manage these symptoms with occupational or physical therapy, and balance training can reduce your risk for falls.
Lymphedema is a buildup of fluid in part of the body due to stressors such as lymph node removal, injury or radiation treatment. Lymphedema in the arm can often occur when lymph nodes are removed during breast cancer treatment. There is no cure, but it can be effectively controlled through professional care and self-management. Our certified lymphedema therapists offer an individualized approach to treatment including:
Skin and nail care
Manual lymphatic care
Gradient bandaging
Therapeutic exercises
Educating our patients on lymphedema management is an essential part of the rehabilitation we provide. With proper management, patients are able to do everything daily life requires. Lymphedema management therapy is available at both hospitals:
UM Upper Chesapeake Medical Center - Bel Air: 443-643-3257
UM Upper Chesapeake Medical Center - Aberdeen: 443-843-5331
Pelvic Floor Program
Meeting with our certified pelvic floor therapist is a safe place to discuss therapy side-effects you may feel uncomfortable talking about, including constipation, urinary incontinence, frequency and urgency and sexual dysfunction. Pelvic floor physical therapy focuses on strategies to manage these issues.
Therapy usually includes hands on techniques and other conservative strategies to reduce symptoms and improve the function of the pelvic floor muscles. Patients are seen 1-2 times per week for a 1-hour one-on-one session with an experienced physical therapist certified in pelvic floor physical therapy.
Prehab is a form of strength training designed to help individuals reach an optimal level of fitness before undergoing a treatment or procedure. Lung prehab specifically helps maximize the respiratory efficiency of people diagnosed with lung cancer.
Individuals are evaluated by a physical therapist for basic strength, joint flexibility, and rib cage elasticity during respiration. This evaluation is recommended prior to any lung cancer treatment, whether it involves surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy. A pedometer and journal are provided to help patients monitor and track their steps. After treatment or surgery, individuals are referred back to physical therapy to review their progress and determine if additional therapy is needed.
