Over the last twenty-years, Rochelle has worked in a variety of physical therapy settings ranging from community-based hospitals to private practices. About a decade ago, she recognized the need for improving out-patient physical therapy services for oncology patients. As aspecifically-trained physical therapist, Rochelle understands how and why physical therapy rehabilitation and post-operative rehabilitation improves a patient’s quality of life from cancer treatment. Most oncology rehabilitation treatments focus on manual therapy interventions to decrease scar tissue impairments, resolve axillary web syndrome (cording) with the optimal goalto restore the patient to rehabilitation functional baseline. Education and instruction for self-care management of secondary lymphedema from lymph nodedissection is a critical component of oncology rehabilitation. In order to maintain Stage I reversible secondary lymphedema, a patient must be taught to recognize the presentation of arm lymphedema. Manual lymphatic drainage massage is one of the many tools to manage secondary lymphedema. Clinical evidence continues to show that physical therapy before, during and after cancer treatment can help speed functional recovery, improve quality of life and reduce risk of complications later in life.

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