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Cancer Rehabilitation and MOCA Training in Portland, OR

Cancer Survivor Rehabilitation Program at Bridgetown Physical Therapy and Training Studio in Portland, Oregon

cancer survivorAs cancer treatments advance, the number of cancer survivors has significantly increased.  The American Cancer Society (ACS) reported 14. 5 million cancer survivors in the US as of 2014 and anticipate an increase to 19 million by the year 2024.  Although cancer treatments have improved at removing cancer from the body, survivors continue to battle residual physical symptoms that affect one’s quality of life.  Harrington et al. (Int’l J. Psychiatry Medicine, 2010) stated that symptoms can persist as long as 10 years after completing treatment with a high percentage of survivors experiencing muscle fatigue, muscle wasting, decreased maximal VO2, sleep disturbances, anxiety and depression. 

Long term and consistent physical activity plays a critical role in addressing these changes, and one of the best ways to overcome these residual barriers is physical therapy. Under the supervision of Dr. Mark Hatfield, participation in an individualized Cancer Survivor Rehabilitation Program can help you progressively and safely reach your goals to get you back to a normal lifestyle. This may include restoring motion, strength, endurance, and self confidence for a seamless transition from healthcare supervision to independent activity.

Cancer Rehabilitation in Bridgetown Physical Therapy ClinicUnder our Program, a physical therapy evaluation will identify dysfunction in the body and allow us to develop an individual plan of care designed for the cancer survivor’s unique impairments. The program includes manual therapy and exercises specifically for cancer survivors during and following cancer treatment. With good reason: there is consistent evidence that shows that exercise is safe and beneficial to patients during and after cancer treatment.  In fact, as a result of the growing body of research that shows the multiple benefits of exercise, both the American Cancer Society (ACS) and American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) have developed physical activity guidelines for cancer survivors.

Benefits of Physical Therapy and Exercise for Cancer Survivors

  • Improve range of motion;
  • Improve strength and endurance;
  • Decrease fatigue;
  • Decrease pain;
  • Manage/ prevent lymphedema;
  • Reduce the risk of secondary cancers;
  • Slow cancer progression.

Move: Over Cancer (MOCA)**

Bridgetown Physical Therapy and Training Studio knows that cancer treatments take their toll not only physically, but financially as well. As a result, we have also designed the Move: Over Cancer (MOCA) program as an inexpensive solution for continuation of physical activity after an individualized Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Program.

What makes the MOCA program special?

Lead by Dr. Mark Hatfield, Move: Over Cancer (MOCA) provides structured exercise, and its benefits, to cancer survivors with a mission of integrating individuals back into the community and promoting confidence for personal independence. The program includes a series of 8-week long sessions designed to bring cancer survivors together in group exercise classes. It is designed to promote physical activity and provide a platform where you can start to enjoy exercise again. As weather allows, we also take advantage of the outdoors for exercise.

Our goal is to bring together a number of people from various stages after cancer rehabilitation and offer them an affordable option to:

  • be accountable for long term physical activity;
  • be connected to others going through similar experiences and develop relationships;
  • have accessibility/ supervision of a physical therapist with knowledge in oncology.

**Note: This program is separate from individualized physical therapy rehabilitation.  

With our expertise in human movement and exercise prescription, we can be your guide to overcoming some of the obstacles that cancer survivors face.

“I am personally very excited to present this cancer rehabilitation and wellness program, and look forward to developing long term relationships with you.”  - Mark Hatfield, PT, DPT

Why choose us?

Cancer survivors have unique physiological changes following cancer treatment that affect physical activity and movement. Having a physical therapist who is knowledgeable in the effects of oncology treatments provides an optimal platform to overcome these physical barriers and safely transition into a long term exercise program that is appropriate for each cancer survivor.  An understanding of your specific cancer surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and/ or current and past medications will dictate physical therapy interventions, including exercise prescription and the order in which to do them.

At Bridgetown Physical Therapy and Training Studio, we offer a clean and comfortable private gym environment.  Getting away from the location of cancer treatment can be an emotional stepping stone for getting back to feeling normal.  Our one-on-one physical therapy sessions allow us to devote our undivided time to you allowing us to get to know you and your long term physical goals. Although we are not affiliated with a hospital, we can also keep open communications with your oncologist or medical team to exchange updates of medical information to provide you with the best support team. Additionally, the support you get from other cancer survivors though our Move: Over Cancer post-physical therapy group exercise program is invaluable.

Schedule an Appointment

For individualized physical therapy or consultation, including to get started on a personalized Cancer Survivor Rehabilitation Program, please call (503) 222-1955 and ask to schedule with Dr. Mark Hatfield. You are also welcome to stop by and visit the clinic to see if it is a right fit for you.

For Move: Over Cancer classes: Please call (503) 222-1955 and ask to be signed up for the Move: Over Cancer (MOCA) program. Questions regarding the program may also be emailed to mhatfield@bridgetownpt.com

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