Rehabilitation Specialty Programs

Cancer Rehabilitation Program

Rehab 01 The Elliot Rehabilitation Services team is dedicated to maximizing function and regaining quality of life for patient going through a cancer diagnosis. We have therapists with advanced training to treat the impairments that come from the various treatments. Common side effects that are helped with rehabilitative services include:

Deconditioning / weakness associated with chemotherapy and radiation therapy
Scar tissue sensitivity and tightness
Loss of ROM in a joint or extremity
Swallowing and eating dysfunctions
Cognitive deficits / “Chemo- brain”
Peripheral neuropathy and balance disorders
Incontinence and / or pelvic pain issues
Lymphedema

Surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy can affect many of the different body systems. These can cause challenges in eating, functional movement, and managing basic activities of daily living. Our therapists understand how to safely address these challenges both during and after treatment.

Approach

Our therapists work with a patient-centered focus to determine a treatment plan that assures maximal success. We will utilize a variety of advanced therapy techniques including:

Scar massage and desensitization
Manual Lymphatic Drainage/ Complete Decongestive Therapy
Balance Training and Gait Re-education
Oral Motor and Swallowing Assessments / Modified Barium Swallows
Referrals to community resources/ support groups

Advanced Care/Expertise

Physical, Occupational, and Speech therapists with advanced oncology rehabilitation training, along with multiple Certified Lymphedema Therapists.

Elliot Rehabilitation Services has a strong collaboration with the Elliot Breast Health Center, Dartmouth Hitchcock Norris Cotton Cancer Center, Elliot Cancer Center, NH Hematology and Oncology, and Dana Farber in Londonderry. We utilize structured treatment pathways to ensure that access to rehabilitation services can be offered at the earliest opportunity to maximize function and minimize complications.