CANCER REHAB

Cancer Rehabilitation at Nomad Therapies

The Nomad Therapies Cancer Rehab service is led by Physiotherapist Maybelle Murphy, (BScPT ‘91) who has more than a decade of experience working with breast cancer survivors. Her passion and experience along with her extensive knowledge of the breast cancer survivor’s journey make Maybelle the ideal leader in delivering professional therapeutic services to this population. Joining Maybelle in the Cancer Program is Corrie McGinnis, PT who has been working as a Physiotherapist for 15 years and has experience with the Breast Cancer Centre, Sask Health Authority. Jocelyn LeBlanc is our Cancer Rehab Kinesiologist and works with our Physiotherapists to deliver individual and group strength and conditioning programs. Along with our core group of therapists delivering these services, a number of other Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists and Kinesiologists are engaged in the program.

Physiotherapy Role in Cancer Rehab

Physiotherapists play an important role in treating clients through diagnosis all the way to post-surgery helping to manage several issues in each stage of rehabilitation including:

  1. Prehabilitation:
    • Pre-surgery prep
    • Education
    • Exercise prescription
  2. Post surgical:
    • Management of lymphedema, seromas, hematomas
    • Treatment of scar tissue formation, radiation fibrosis and cording/axillary web syndrome
    • Treatment of shoulder immobility, upper extremity weakness and reduced function
    • Address concerns related to radiation and/or chemotherapy related treatment
    • Management of neuropathic, musculoskeletal and chronic pain
    • Post-op treatment following breast reconstruction surgery
    • Comprehensive post cancer rehab with focus on return to normal activities
  3. Ongoing education and support for the patient and their support network

Strength & Conditioning

  • Small group gym based programming for cancer survivors – on-site at the Nomad Therapies facility.
  • Development of individualized home exercises programs.

Orthopaedic & Neurological Management

  • Many cancer survivors experience joint, bone and soft tissue complications – the Orthopaedic Physiotherapy team can help manage these issues.
  • The Neuro Rehab team is available to assess and treat neurological issues such as altered sensation or disrupted motor function

Breast Cancer Rehabilitation

Breast cancer continues to be the most common cancer among women in Canada with one in eight women expected to develop breast cancer in her lifetime. Achieving the best possible outcome for breast cancer requires an interprofessional team including surgeons, nursing, radiation oncology, medical oncology, physiotherapy, pathology and others. This multifaceted approach has improved outcomes and quality of life for breast cancer patients as the management continues to evolve over the years. Breast cancer continues to be the most common cancer among women in Canada with one in eight women expected to develop breast cancer in her lifetime.