Lymphedema Prevention and Rehabilitation Program
The Saint Peter’s University Hospital Lymphedema Prevention and Rehabilitation Program is a service of the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Personalized and customized physical therapy and occupational therapy services are provided to meet the special needs of cancer survivors from time of diagnosis to full recovery.
As members of the Saint Peter’s Breast Center interdisciplinary team, physical and occupational therapists are specially trained to understand the side effects of breast cancer and its treatments, and provide comprehensive treatment to enhance recovery, restore and maximize daily function, and improve the quality of life.
The team of physical and occupational therapists can help patients who are currently undergoing or have completed breast cancer treatment. The rehabilitation program can significantly benefit patients in all stages of treatment – from diagnosis to survivorship – to prevent and manage the side effects of breast cancer surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and reconstruction.
Patients experiencing the post-operative symptoms such as swelling, sensitivity, fatigue, muscle weakness and limited range of motion, may benefit from this lymphedema management program. The rehabilitation program for lymphedema management may include a Lymphedema Prevention and Surveillance Program, education and instruction, complete Decongestive Therapy and other therapeutic modalities and exercise programs.
Speak to your breast surgeon, oncologist, radiation oncologist, plastic surgeon or primary care doctor if you have started breast cancer treatment and have not had an evaluation by a certified lymphedema therapist, or if you are having symptoms and have not fully recovered from your breast cancer treatment.
Contact our department at 732-745-8570 with any questions or if you are interested in scheduling an appointment for lymphedema services offered in the Saint Peter’s University Hospital Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. A prescription from a physician is required to initiate therapy and, depending on your insurance, a referral may also be necessary.