Rehabilitation > Physical Medicine and the Cancer Patient

Physical Medicine and the Cancer Patient

Some patients may need to consult with a physical medicine specialist during and after cancer treatment. These specialists include physical therapists, occupational therapists or speech-language pathologists.

Physical Medicine, Occupational Health or Speech-Language Services can be beneficial for:

• Patients who have undergone surgery who then experience limited range of motion or have difficulty with general mobility that interferes with normal activities.



• Patients who have underdone treatment and experienced weakness. These patients may see a physical therapist for strengthening or muscle conditioning.



• Patients who need assistance with daily living activities, such as getting dressed, eating, walking or getting in and out of bed.



• Patients with lung cancer who experience swallowing or speech difficulties due to treatment.



• Patients who develop lymphedema of the extremities, a condition in which excess fluid collects in tissue and causes swelling in the arms or legs. Lymphedema sometimes occurs after the removal of lymph vessels or lymph nodes in women who have undergone a mastectomy for breast cancer. The lymphedema outpatient program combines bandaging, drainage, massage techniques and compression garment fitting to decrease swelling, enhance function and improve quality of life.



• Patients who need assistive devices such as canes or walkers.

For a complete list of rehabilitation resources offered at Greenwich Hospital, see the Physical Medicine section of this web site.