Occupational therapy (OT) helps to solve problems that interfere with a person’s ability to do things that are important to them, including everyday things like self-care, going to work or school and leisure or social activities.

Physiatrists are doctors with special training in physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R), also known as physiatry. Cancer Physiatry is a specialty that focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, non-surgical treatment and rehabilitation of patients with cancer.

As experts in musculoskeletal and neurologic conditions, physiatrists are able to assess pain, weakness, movement, thinking and more to determine both a diagnostic workup and a treatment plan. Patients seen by a physiatrist have their problems related to cancer identified and treated sooner. Physiatrists treat the whole person, not just one problem area.

They may treat their patients using:

• Electromyography (EMG) & Nerve Conduction Studies
• Corticosteroid Joint Injections, Trigger Point Injections & Botulinum Toxin Injections
• Prescriptions (for Medications)
• Recommendations for Daily Activities or Returning to Work
• Bowel & Bladder Function Assessments & Treatment

Physiotherapists are physical rehabilitation and mobility experts for those with medical conditions and the population as a whole. Interventions may include assessment, treatment, therapeutic exercise, patient and family education, wellness, prevention, and self-management. In adult cancer care settings, physiotherapists are uniquely skilled in:

• Lymphedema Management
• Improving & Maintaining Functional & Physical Performance
• Preventing & Managing Pain, Physical Impairments, Disabilities & Limits to Participation
• Promoting Fitness, Health & Wellness

Speech language pathology (SLP) can help with speech production, language, feeding and swallowing changes.

• Axillary Web Syndrome
• Breast Health Class for Patients Receiving Radiation Therapy

• Jaw & Neck Exercises

• Understanding Cancer - Related Lymphedema (Interactive Presentation)
• Understanding Cancer - Related Lymphedema (Book)

• Returning to Work or School After Cancer Diagnosis: Roles of Professionals
• Returning to Work or School After Cancer Diagnosis