Regaining your independence
For many patients, treatment for cancer can bring about many functional impairments, such as decreased strength and endurance and/or pain that can affect daily functional activities.
We recognize the value that specially tailored rehabilitation can offer you before, during and after cancer treatment to improve recovery and regain your independence in everyday activities.
Physician Supervised Rehabilitation Care
Rehabilitation therapists working with patients treated for cancer at Winship consult and coordinate patient care with our oncology rehabilitation medicine physicians, Ashish Khanna, MD and Sonal Oza, MD. As physician advisors, they help guide rehabilitation care and advocates for patients with cancer-related quality of life issues. They also see patients with lymphedema and complex rehabilitation needs, and focus on the identification and treatment of neuromuscular, musculoskeletal and other issues resulting from cancer and related treatments.
Clinic locations include Winship's Clifton campus, Emory University Hospital Midtown and Emory Decatur Hospital. To request an appointment with one of our oncology rehabilitation medicine physicians, please contact (404) 778-1900.
Outpatient Rehabilitation Services
At Winship, we have seen our patients benefit from the comprehensive outpatient cancer rehabilitation services available. Our Emory Healthcare Outpatient Rehab Centers partner with Select Medical and their ReVital Cancer Rehab Program. A referral for cancer rehab may assist you throughout your cancer journey. Whether you have limited range of motion of an area treated for cancer, difficulty in completing your daily activities due to pain or discomfort or a decline in physical function due to cancer-related fatigue, therapists trained in cancer rehab have an understanding of the unique challenges cancer patients face during and after treatment.
Emory Healthcare Outpatient Rehab Centers' therapists choose to specialize in cancer rehabilitation because they want to help people thrive, not just survive. Working with a trained therapist can help you:
- Decrease pain and fatigue
- Improve balance and mobility
- Build strength and endurance
- Enhance memory and concentration
- Improve bowel, bladder, and sexual function
- Reduce numbness and tingling
- Manage persistent swelling and other side effects
- Continue to engage in important daily activities and roles
During your first session, the therapist will conduct a detailed review of your history, perform a specialized assessment to establish baseline measurements and create a customized treatment plan. They will also provide education about the side effects of your cancer treatment and how to proactively manage them. Throughout your rehabilitation sessions, your therapist will communicate and update your progress to your doctor and care team at Winship.
The ReVital Cancer Rehabilitation Program is offered at a variety of Emory Healthcare Outpatient Rehab locations throughout metro Atlanta. Telerehab is also offered for you to connect with a therapist via the web from the comfort of your home.
Talk to your oncology care team at Winship to discuss whether cancer rehabilitation is appropriate for your situation, and if so, they can provide a referral to our rehabilitation medicine physician or an outpatient therapist.
Lymphedema Care
At Winship, we have certified lymphedema therapists to assist you with the treatment and management of lymphedema, as well as provide education to reduce your risk of developing it.
Lymphedema is an abnormal accumulation of fluid within the body that causes swelling. Damage to the lymphatic system causes this swelling and is sometimes an unfortunate side effect of cancer treatments such as surgery or radiation therapy.
Certified Lymphedema Therapists are located at Emory Decatur Hospital, Emory Hillandale Hospital and Emory John’s Creek Hospital. To request an appointment, please contact (404) 778-1900.