Rehabilitation

Cancer can be a chronic disease, which may require patients to make physical and emotional adjustments to maintain quality of life. A variety of services are available to address these issues and help the patient and family adapt to the changes caused by the disease and treatment.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is often prescribed as a part of the medical treatment plan for cancer patients. A physical therapist addresses strength and endurance, mobility and activity level, need for assistive devices, range of motion, balance and stability. Physical therapy services are available at any of the RMH Rehab Services locations throughout the community or in the home, depending upon the patient’s needs.

Occupational Therapy

Cancer patients may also be referred to an occupational therapist. Occupational therapists address energy conservation, upper extremity strength and function, self-care and homemaking skill, perception, and need for assistive devices. Occupational therapy services are available at any of the RMH Rehab Services locations throughout the community or in the home, depending upon the patient’s needs.

Speech Therapy

Speech therapists, also available through RMH Rehab Services, evaluate and plan treatment for difficulty in comprehension or expression of words, as well as eating and swallowing disorders.

Stomal Therapy

Wound, Ostomy and Continency (WOC) nurses are experts in the care of patients with wound, ostomy and continency problems. They manage conditions such as stomas, draining wounds, skin ulcers, and functional disorders of the bowel and bladder. A WOC nurse also helps with the local United Ostomy Association (UOA). This organization makes a difference by providing patient-to-patient support, educational literature, a helping cyber-community, advocacy and promoting earlier detection of colon cancer.