Whether it's you or a loved one that is a patient with cancer at Mission Hospital, we understand your fear and uncertainty when necessary medical treatments cause complications in your day-to-day life. You may have special problems with balance, fatigue, frequent pain, bladder control, or just feel isolated and alone. Maybe you can't perform your normal daily activities including work, recreation or your own self-care.
At Mission Hospital Rehabilitation and Fitness Center our programs are specifically designed for patients with cancer to help ease the transition from treatment so that you can reach your best potential. Along with medications, physical therapy can help minimize symptoms. Some of the common issues we address:
- Impaired motion
- Fatigue
- Pain management
- Endurance
- Incontinence
- Muscle strength
- Balance problems
While research has shown that Physical Therapy for Cancer helps to address symptoms and reduce pain and side effects from treatment, most patients with cancer still have questions and concerns. Some are not even sure what questions to ask. Whether alleviating symptoms, reducing pain, or increasing your strength level, our services are designed to meet your particular needs and answer those questions most important to you.
Learn more about Physical Therapy services at Mission Hospital's Rehabilitation and Fitness Center.
Our Patients
All types of cancer patients come from Western North Carolina to Mission Hospital Rehabilitation and Fitness Center through physician referral. We find that most of our patients' concerns are centered on pain management and the side effects that can be associated with cancer treatment from chemotherapy to radiation. We often see patients with:
- Lymphedema/Chronic Swelling - Our Certified Lymphedema Therapists utilize gentle techniques that reduce discomfort from fluid retention and tissue swelling.
- Fibrosis - We provide specialized help with range-of-motion limitations that can sometimes result from cancer treatment.
- Pelvic floor dysfunction - Our advanced training in exercise and biofeedback techniques target weakened or damaged muscle areas.
- Peripheral Neuropathy - If you have nerve damage or decreased mobility, we work closely with your physician to help you regain your strength and mobility.
- Balance problems - We provide training to help improve balance and control.
- Fatigue, pain and endurance issues - We will work with you to correct these issues through the use of physical therapy.
Our staff recognizes that each patient is different in their response and modifies your therapy as needed for a unique one-on-one approach and always consider your particular medical condition.
Our Services
Once an evaluation is complete and a treatment plan is proposed, we have a comprehensive range of services that include:
- Aerobic, stretching, and strengthening exercises to improve balance and flexibility.
- Energy conservation techniques - to help reduce weakness and fatigue.
- Hands-on therapy - to minimize soft tissue swelling.
- Ultrasound - thermal deep heating to soothe or to lessen inflammation.
- Electric Stimulation - to reduce pain, strengthen and retrain muscles.
- Biofeedback - to address incontinence and improve muscle strength.
- Lymphedema Therapy - a safe, gentle, and effective approach that helps to drain excess fluid and increase comfort.
- Relaxation techniques - to help reduce pain and stress.
- Self-care management- Tips on home exercise program or strategies for performing daily activities with greatest ease to help regain control of your daily needs and activities.
In addition, we can provide an independent physical therapy program designed by your physical therapist that allows you to use our well-equipped gym, help maximize your fitness level, and improve your long-term quality of life. When appropriate, caregivers can attend sessions with you and be involved in your progress and follow-up care.
Our Caring Team
Our dedicated staff of skilled physical therapists evaluates, identifies, and treats impairments that are a direct result of your cancer treatment. Among our specially trained staff are Certified Lymphedema Therapists, Certified Women’s Health Specialists, a Certified Geriatric Specialist, and a Certified Orthopedic Specialist.
Contact & Referral Information
Talk to your primary care provider first about a referral.
For more information on the Rehabilitation and Fitness Center please use our online contact form or call one of our two locations:
534 Biltmore Avenue in Asheville, NC
828-213-0850
151 Weaver Blvd in Weaverville, NC
828-645-6925
