Physical Fitness and Rehabilitation Programs
The Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department offers both inpatient and outpatient Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapy services. Therapy services begin with a doctor’s referral. Therapists with a special interest in cancer patients are assigned to the Weinberg Comprehensive Cancer Center. Treatments are designed to promote your strength and assist you in returning to an active lifestyle.
Once your physician decides that therapy services are needed a licensed therapist will work with you and set up a treatment plan. The treatment plan may include activities of daily living (self care), movement training, strengthening exercises, and speech and swallowing training. The treatments are designed to increase your activity and promote your ability to function safely in the home following discharge from the hospital. Therapists will also assist you with any needs for home equipment and home therapy.
PHYSICAL THERAPY
Each of the four nursing units in the Weinberg Comprehensive Cancer Center has an exercise area with a treadmill and stationary bicycle. One room has training stairs. You may use this equipment once approved by your physician and after completing a physical therapy screening and education session. Listed below are the general guidelines your therapist may advise you, to follow for exercise.
Exercise offers lots of enjoyable and important benefits, including:
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Strengthening your heart, lungs, bones and muscles
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Giving you more energy and strength
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Helping you handle stress
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Helping you sleep better
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Helping you look good
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Making you feel upbeat
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It is also a lot of fun and a great way to meet other people.
General Guidelines:
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Wear loose comfortable clothing and shoes with good support.
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Keep a record of your progress
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Try to exercise at least once a day & at about the same time.
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Have fun !!
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Platelet Precautions |
| Platelets less than 50,000 |
Avoid lifting weights or heavy objects |
| Platelets less than 20,000 |
Limit your activity to routine daily tasks such as walking and self care. |
| Platelets are between 20,000 and 50,000 |
Light exercises, including walking and riding stationary bike |
Source : Acute Care Perspectives Winter 1995, pp. 7-11
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
Together with your occupational therapist, you will work toward regaining your ability to perform the daily activities that are meaningful to you. Your OT will address such areas as self care and homemaking, and will make recommendations regarding equipment that may enhance your function at home (ie: shower chair, bedside commode). Therapy services may involve activities that increase your upper body strength and hand function as well as education about ways to manage fatigue. Finally, along with you, your family and the rest of the team, your OT will work to establish an appropriate and safe discharge plan.
SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY
Speech-language pathologists help patients with speech and swallowing problems that happen as a result of cancer. Speech-language pathologists teach patients exercises and different ways to talk, like using an electrolarynx. Patients are also taught to use certain positions, kinds of foods, and exercises to swallow better. Speech-language pathologists also educate patients and their families about speech and swallowing.
Please feel free to call extension 5-6214 if you would like to speak with a physical or occupational therapist and extension 5-7895 if you would like to speak with a speech-language pathologist. | 
