 
Oncology Program
RI Rehabilitation Center works with physicians throughout the state of Rhode Island to serve the needs of oncology patients through a variety of services that span many disciplines. Rehabilitation programs can help to encourage healing, recover after surgery, regain independence, and reduce pain through physical therapy, occupational therapy, group classes, and one-on-one treatments. Every program is tailored for each individual’s condition, health history, symptoms, and goals.
Patient Education
RI Rehab therapists can provide resources, support, literature, and tips for patients who are dealing with various complications of cancer and lymphedema, addressing issues such as symptom management, related health risks, and rehab needs. For example, when flying, the high altitudes put Lymphedema patients at risk for swelling; flying with wraps and sleeves can prevent painful flare-ups. Normal cuts and scrapes can easily cause infection. Therapists instruct patients on the importance of properly cleaning and dressing wounds while using an antibiotic treatment to prevent a more serious infection from occurring. RI Rehab can assist with scar pads, or even provide referrals to leading plastic surgeons in the area. Perhaps a social worker is needed to help deal with the emotional stresses of facing cancer. No matter what it is, the RI Rehab oncology team of physical and occupational therapists is always available to provide support for patients as they navigate the unknown waters of oncology rehabilitation.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy programs for oncology patients can help to increase cardiovascular capacity, increase balance, reduce pain, restore independent living, and help with scar tissue reduction. Each program is tailored for the individual, and may utilize components from these various modalities of care: manual therapy, movement therapy, general orthopedic therapy, women’s health services, post mastectomy rehabilitation, and chronic pain programs.
Occupational Therapy
RI Rehab occupational therapists can help patients to return to their activities of daily living post surgery. Whether it is regaining the use of the arm after a mastectomy, or relearning how to perform tasks such as eating, bathing, dressing, cooking, and cleaning. A therapist will carefully guide each individual through safe ways of moving to prevent injury, while retraining the body to carefully get back to the patient’s typical pre-surgery/injury routine.
Exercise Programs
Chemotherapy drugs may put patients at a higher risk for cardiovascular disease. Studies show that early rehabilitation programs can help to improve the overall health and wellbeing of patients, and fitness is a key part of these programs for many types of cancer. Exercise prescriptions are tailor made for each individual depending on the range of motion, ability, strength, lifestyle, and long term goals for maintenance. A combination of cardiovascular exercise, stretching, strength training and conditioning may be utilized for maximum effect.
Nutrition Program
Nutrition is a particularly important component for oncology patients who need to lose or gain weight through a healthy eating plan. Maintaining hydration goals and eating balanced meals with proper amounts of vitamins and antioxidants is crucial for keeping up energy, fueling recovery, and healing the body. Nutrition programs include initial consultations, food diary review and monitoring, meal plans, snack tips, caloric evaluation and recommendations, body fat measurements, weigh-ins, and general lifestyle support.
Aquatic Therapy
Many oncology patients find comfort and pain relief in our 95 degree salt water pool. Warm water eases pain, tension and discomfort in the muscles. Buoyancy takes weight and pressure off of aching joints. Aquatic therapy can be a useful physical therapy treatment for oncology patients, and many have enjoyed success with the Burdenko Method. This style utilizes aquatic exercises geared towards function and utilizing buoyancy and weights for physical training, with a focus on recovering function after an injury.
Wellness Programs
RI Rehab offers many wellness programs that may aid oncology patients in restoring a positive attitude and improving the overall quality of life. Yoga helps to expand lung capacity, regulate the body’s functions, improve balance and strength, and center the mind through inner awareness. Tai Chi from the Arthritis Foundation® can help to improve flexibility, stamina, and fitness through a series of flowing movements in upright stances that are suitable for beginners.
Lebed Method
The Lebed Method is a medically based exercise program designed for cancer survivors and those suffering from conditions such as arthritis, chronic fatigue, depression, diabetes, muscular sclerosis, fibromyalgia, menopause, heart disease, and lymphedema. The Lebed Method focuses on healing through movement and dance. The simple routines are designed to relieve pain, restore flexibility, combat fatigue, encourage emotional recovery, cope with an illness, develop balance, explore femininity, and recover from reconstruction.
Lymphedema Programs
Lymphedema is a chronic and progressive condition in which the body is unable to properly remove excess lymph fluid and proteins from affected areas due to damaged lymph nodes. Oncology patients are at a higher risk for lymphedema, but with appropriate treatment and continued care, the condition can be managed. The lymphedema program includes complete decongestive therapy, manual lymph drainage, compression bandaging, remedial exercise, patient education, and meticulous skin and nail care.
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