Cancer Rehabilitation
Comprehensive Rehabilitation to Support Your Cancer Journey
At Exeter Hospital, our Oncology Rehabilitation Services are designed to support patients through every stage of their cancer journey. Cancer and its treatments can create physical challenges that affect daily life, but with the right rehabilitation, many of these effects can be reduced or managed. Our specialized oncology rehabilitation team provides evidence-based therapies that help patients regain strength, mobility and confidence.
Conditions We Treat
Our therapists are specially trained in addressing cancer-related physical changes, including:
- Loss of function due to pain or weakness: Surgery, chemotherapy or radiation may result in pain, mobility limitations or functional changes.
- Lymphedema: The buildup of protein-rich fluid in the body, often occurring after cancer treatment, can cause swelling, discomfort and increased infection risk.
- Cancer-related fatigue: A common and sometimes long-term side effect of treatment, fatigue can interfere with work, daily activities and quality of life.
- Bladder or bowel dysfunction: Prostate, gynecologic or colorectal cancer treatments may cause incontinence, constipation or pain.
More About Cancer Rehabilitation
Our team develops individualized therapy programs to address each patient’s unique needs. Treatments may include:
- Exercise to build strength and maintain function
- Aquatic rehabilitation (as appropriate)
- Massage and stretching for affected areas
- Complete Decongestive Therapy for lymphedema management
- Endurance training to improve energy levels
- Pelvic floor rehabilitation for bladder and bowel dysfunction
Exeter Hospital also offers the Cancer Well-Fit Program, a specialized exercise program for patients currently in treatment or within one year of completing cancer therapy.
- Supervised by licensed physical therapists who assess individual conditioning needs
- Classes include flexibility, strength and cardiovascular training
- Proven benefits: reduced fatigue and nausea, improved mood, strength, endurance and immune function
