Rehabilitation Program for the Patient with Cancer

The Upstate Regional Rehabilitation Centers has developed a program to assist patients with cancer reduce the physical effects of disease and the effects of its treatment.

Services are provided by experienced Physical and Occupational Therapists in our four outpatient satellite offices. Each patient receives a thorough initial evaluation which includes a discussion about symptoms, functional limitation and patient goals along with an examination. Based on the evaluation a personalized plan for treatment is developed.

Upstate Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation department also offers a fatigue management program for those undergoing treatment for cancer. It is a special exercise program supervised by a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant that involves using cardiovascular exercise and strengthening to combat fatigue. Enrollment into program can occur before treatment or can begin at the start of treatment. Exercise continues as tolerated until the end of chemotherapy or radiation.

Goals of Rehabilitation:

Maintain or increase muscle strength
Maintain or increase aerobic capacity
Decrease pain
Limit bone loss though weight bearing exercise
Improve balance and decrease falls/risk for falls
Prevent/manage lymphedema
Improve general function
Decrease fatigue
Improve ability to perform activities of daily living and self care tasks
Provide/suggest adaptive devices to improve performance of activities of daily living

Goals are achieved through:

Exercise
Range of motion activities/stretching
Balance training
Modalities (ice, heat, TENS etc)
Massage
Aquatic therapy
Activities of daily living training
Relaxation
Teaching energy conservation strategies
Splinting
Education on adaptive/compensatory strategies for memory, attention and organizational skills

A referral from your physician is needed for enrollment into this program. Please call 464-6543 to schedule an appointment.

Providers

Lauren E Buck, PT, DPT, CLT-LANA
315 464-6543

Diseases/Specialties/Treatments

Certified Lymphedema Therapist; Absence of Breast; Aging Issues; Amputation; Arthritis; Breast Cancer; more

Clinical Interests

Geriatric Physical Therapy, Balance and fall prevention

Chad E Hanifin, PT, DPT
315 464-2282

Education & Fellowships

DPT: Utica College, 2013
BS: Quinnipiac College, 1999, Physical Therapy

Diseases/Specialties/Treatments

Physical Therapy; Acute & Chronic Diseases and Conditions in Adult Patients; Acute & Chronic Diseases and Conditions in Pediatric Patients; Adult Leukemia; Adult Lymphoma; Advanced Prostate Cancer; more

Clinical Interests

Geriatrics. Cancer. Acute Care.

Michelle Jay, PT, DPT, WCC, CLT-LANA
315 464-5540

Education & Fellowships

DPT: Clarkson University, 2012, Physical Therapy
BS: Clarkson University, 2009, Business and Technology Management

Diseases/Specialties/Treatments

Wound Care; Certified Lymphedema Therapist; Lymphedema Management, Rehab Service; Orthopedic Physical Therapy; Outpatient Physical Therapy

Kaelynn E Kocsis
315 464-2282

Education & Fellowships

MS: Utica College, 2011, Occupational Therapy

Diseases/Specialties/Treatments

Occupational Therapy - Adult; Acute & Chronic Diseases and Conditions in Adult Patients; Alzheimer's Disease - Dementia; Amputation; Brain Cancer; Brain Injury; more

Education Interests

Stroke treatment

Vision treatment

Clinical Interests

neuro rehab, stroke, TBI

Ami Myers, MS, OTR/L, CBIS
315 464-2282

Education & Fellowships

MS: Nazareth College of Rochester, 2017, Occupational Therapy
BS: Nazareth College of Rochester, 2016, Occupational Therapy

Diseases/Specialties/Treatments

Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS); Occupational Therapy - Pediatrics; Occupational Therapy - Adult; Acute & Chronic Diseases and Conditions in Adult Patients; Acute & Chronic Diseases and Conditions in Pediatric Patients; Amputation; more