With the addition of team member Kyle Sisler, PT, DPT, GCS, Bellingham Physical Therapy is now able to offer expansion of our cancer recovery services. Kyle comes to Bellingham Physical Therapy with a wide variety of experience across the lifespan and through many different treatment settings. She has worked in outpatient clinics, home health, skilled nursing facilities, and most recently in acute care at the University of Washington Medical Center, where she worked on the oncology units. She has 7+ years of experience in working with people throughout the cancer treatment continuum, including at time of first diagnosis, at end of life, and everywhere in between. Kyle has a wealth of experience working with patients during and after various cancer treatments in a hospital setting, and is excited to bring this expertise to Bellingham Physical Therapy.

What is Cancer Rehabilitation?

Cancer can be treated through a variety of methods: surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, among others. Each of these treatments come with unique side effects, some of which lead to physical impairments, which can make daily activities and/or hobbies difficult. Our physical therapy team can help with concerns related to fatigue, weakness, range of motion, balance, scar tissue, and mobility through individualized treatment plans to work towards your goals.

How can physical therapy help with some of the common side effects from cancer treatment?

Fatigue – All cancer treatments can have a profound and long-lasting effect on your energy level. Research supports the use of exercise as a treatment for fatigue. Physical Therapists educate you on how to conserve energy and pace yourself throughout the day while creating an individualized, teared exercise program to improve your fatigue.

Balance – Chemotherapy can cause a condition called neuropathy, which can lead to numbness or weakness in the hands and feet. If you have neuropathy in your feet, your balance and coordination may become impaired. Physical Therapists will test your balance to determine the best treatment plan to address your impairments and improve your stability.

Scar Tissue – Scar tissue can arise as a result of surgery or radiation. This may be painful and decrease your range of motion. Physical Therapists use a variety of manual therapy techniques and targeted stretching to improve mobility and function.

Endurance – Limited activity, loss of strength, and fatigue during treatment can all contribute to diminished endurance, limiting your ability to do the activities you love. Physical Therapists develop a graded exercise program to improve strength and endurance to slowly return to your normal activities.

Can I do physical therapy during my cancer treatment?

Yes! Research has shown that it is safe to participate in rehab while going through your treatment. Your physical therapist will communicate with your medical team and adjust your treatment plan as needed through the course of your treatment. Bellingham Physical Therapy abides by strict infection-control standards to maintain a clean environment for all patients and our clinic is laid out in a way to allow for patient isolation as needed or desired for those who are immuno-compromised.

How do I get started?

If you are currently undergoing treatment for cancer, talk to you doctor about starting physical therapy. If you will be using insurance, check with your insurance company to find out if you need a referral or authorization for physical therapy. To set up an appointment Kyle, simply call our office and we will help you!

References

Cramp F, Byron-Daniel J. Exercise for the management of cancer-related fatigue in adults. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2012 Nov 14;11(11):CD006145.

Ficarra S, Thomas E, Bianco A, Gentile A, Thaller P, Grassadonio F, Papakonstantinou S, Schulz T, Olson N, Martin A, Wagner C, Nordström A, Hofmann H. Impact of exercise interventions on physical fitness in breast cancer patients and survivors: a systematic review. Breast Cancer. 2022 May;29(3):402-418.

Rodríguez-Cañamero S, Cobo-Cuenca AI, Carmona-Torres JM, Pozuelo-Carrascosa DP, Santacruz-Salas E, Rabanales-Sotos JA, Cuesta-Mateos T, Laredo-Aguilera JA. Impact of physical exercise in advanced-stage cancer patients: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Cancer Med. 2022 Oct;11(19):3714-3727.

Staff NP, Grisold A, Grisold W, Windebank AJ. Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy: A current review. Ann Neurol. 2017 Jun;81(6):772-781.