Rehabilitation works to help patients restore or adapt to cognitive, functional and physical changes directly caused by cancer and/or cancer treatments. Rehabilitation has many benefits: It can help manage pain, lymphedema, fatigue and changes in speech, language, voice quality and mobility.
Rehabilitation Services offered vary by location and may include:
- at the Central Alberta Cancer Centre (CACC) in Red Deer: Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy and Speech & Language Therapy
- at the Cross Cancer Institute (CCI) in Edmonton: Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy and Speech & Language Therapy
- at the Holy Cross Centre in Calgary: Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy and Physiatry. Physiatrists are medical doctors specializing in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
- at the Jack Ady Cancer Centre in Lethbridge: Physical Therapy
- at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre (TBCC): Speech & Language Therapy
- Cancer-related lymphedema management for swelling that has developed in any part of the body related to the cancer or cancer treatments. Management may include compression bandaging, exercise and education on skincare, self-massage and home management
- Assessment and prescription for compression garments and / or compression systems
- Alberta aids to daily living (AADL) authorizations for compression sleeves, stockings, and / or other aids to daily living equipment
- Assessment and treatment of voice, speech and swallowing changes
- Education classes and groups
- Individualized treatment
- Help with finding community resources
Your doctor will get a written report after your assessment.