Our approach to cancer rehabilitation is individualized, holistic and multi-faceted
At The Pelvic Health Clinic, one-on-one compassionate and inclusive care is the standard. We are a body-positive clinic. We believe that every body is deserving of care and clinical expertise. Movement is for everyone! And rehabilitation is for everyone, too.
Here at The Pelvic Clinic, we strive to help all of our clients live comfortably in their bodies by reducing chronic pain, increasing movement that feels great, and supporting each person on their journey to wellness. We believe that all bodies deserve to feel cared for and are proud of the environment of inclusion and judgment-free health care that we have created. This is especially important for our clients who are on a journey with cancer.
The most common cancers that we see at our clinic are gynecologic cancers (cervical, uterine, ovarian, and endometrial) and prostate cancers. But we also see many people with breast cancer, various colon cancers, and testicular cancer.
We always like to encourage clients who have an upcoming pelvic surgery date to have a prehabilitation physio appointment, in which they can learn what their baseline level of function is, learn breathing and movement strategies for the first few weeks post-op and have a chance to practice some of the exercises that their therapist might suggest for after their surgery.
After surgery, your physiotherapist will want to see you to address any scar tissue mobilization that needs to be done, to begin your post-op exercises, and guide you gently back to movement and activity. Depending on the kind of surgery you have had, your oncologist may suggest:
- Dilator therapy: the use of vaginal or anal dilators will help maintain the vaginal or anal canal girth after pelvic surgery and/or radiation. Your pelvic physiotherapist can help you with the provision and proper use of dilators, treatment progression and technique.
- Penile rehabilitation: if you have had a nerve-sparing prostatectomy, your urologist may recommend penile rehabilitation to optimize your sexual function. Your pelvic physiotherapist can help you with the provision and proper use of a penile vacuum pump and constriction rings, treatment progression and technique.
Many people undergoing cancer treatment struggle with fatigue and low energy. Massage therapy and acupuncture can be very helpful in restoring energy and nurturing the body and spirit during this challenging time.
As you physically recover, our orthopedic physiotherapists can work with you to achieve meaningful goals to help improve your quality of life. Physiotherapy can help to reduce pain, improve mobility and strength, increase participation in activities of daily living, and increase the ability to exercise. Your physio can also help with any functional limitations that arise from your surgery and or treatment, such as limited shoulder range of motion, peripheral neuropathy or numbness, and generalized deconditioning.
Our movement classes are also another wonderful way to get back to movement after a cancer diagnosis. Led by physiotherapists and registered massage therapists, our classes are a supportive way to safely return to supervised exercise.
As specialists in cancer rehabilitation, we are proud to be able to offer a variety of services, all working with you along your journey with a cancer diagnosis:
Dedication to Sensitive Practice
The Pelvic Health Clinic strives to foster an environment where clients feel safe and supported. To help you feel safe and avoid possible triggers, we ask that you discuss with your physical therapist how they might make you feel more comfortable and better supported during assessment and treatment.