SERVICES
Exclusively serving patients with oncology-related needs, lymphedma and lipedema
JUMP TO: ONCOLOGY | LYMPHEDEMA | LIPEDEMA
Oncology Physical Therapy
Melissa has over 15 years of experience working with patients undergoing cancer treatments. She has worked with patients with many types of cancer including breast, colorectal, head and neck, sarcoma, multiple myeloma and lung cancers. As not all cancer treatments are the same, Melissa will work with you to develop a unique oncology physical therapy treatment plan. She will work collaboratively with medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, surgeons, plastic surgeons, oncology naturopaths, acupuncturists, massage therapists, and psychotherapists as needed.
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No matter what phase of oncology treatment you are in, Melissa is ready to jump in to get you feeling your best!
Prehab
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Baseline measurements before surgery (limb volume, strength, balance, endurance)
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Home exercise program to prep for surgery
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Education: what to expect after surgery
Radiation
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Maintaining/restoring range of motion
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Improving tissue pliability
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Improving skin mobility
Post-Operative
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Limb Volume Measurements
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Strength
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Endurance
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Gait
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Balance
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Follow MD protocol (when available) to help you return to your pre-surgery self
Palliative Care
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Swelling
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Pain
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Mobility limitations
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Strength deficits
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Balance impairments
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Fatigue​​​​
Chemotherapy
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Chemotherapy Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN)
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Cancer Related Fatigue (CRF)
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Strength deficits
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Balance and gait impairments
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Falls
Post Mastectomy
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Pain/Symptom Management
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Post Surgical Edema Reduction
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Maintaining/restoring range of motion
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Improving tissue pliability
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Improving skin mobility
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Axillary Web Syndrome/Cording
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Prospective surveillance at 0, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months per APTA Clinical Practice Guidelines
Lymphedema Treatment
Oncology and non-Oncology Related Lymphedema
Post Mastectomy Lymphedema • Primary Lymphedema
Phlebolymphostatic Lymphedema
​While there is no cure for lymphedema, symptoms can be managed with the appropriate treatment. Melissa will complete a thorough examination and, with your collaboration, will develop a treatment plan that best fits your needs. Treatment will include a combination of:​
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Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT): consisting of Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD), multi-layer compression bandaging, exercise and skin care
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Compression Therapy: help with fitting/measuring for compression garments or compression garment alternatives. Melissa will work with local vendors and compression garment companies as needed.
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Home Exercise Plan: geared towards flexibility, strength, breathing, posture, and aerobic exercise to improve lymphatic flow and reduce symptoms
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Home Management: whether you see Melissa for a single session or ongoing, once clinic treatment is complete, Melissa will provide assistance in ordering any needed supplies, such as an pneumatic compression pump, and will develop a plan so that you can manage symptoms independently
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Post Operative Care: we will keep maintain close communication with your plastic or microvascular surgeon surgeon, ensuring that specific MD protocols are followed
Compression Therapy
Exercise Plan
Management
at Home
Post Operative Care
Lipedema Treatment
Lipedema is a connective tissue disorder that results in an abnormal accumulation of adipose (fat) tissue. Often times patients with Lipedema have tried every diet, workout and weight loss technique without results. Patients often are told they are obese, however this is not the cause of their symptoms. Many providers still do not know how to appropriately treat Lipedema. At COLO Physical Therapy, we have experience working with patients with Lipedema and can help you by using a combination of the following interventions:
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Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT): consisting of Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD), multi-layer compression bandaging, exercise and skin care
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Compression Therapy: help with fitting/measuring for compression garments or compression garment alternatives.
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Home Exercise Plan: geared towards flexibility, strength, breathing, posture, and aerobic exercise to improve lymphatic flow and reduce symptoms
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Post Operative Care: we will work closely with your medical team, ensuring that specific MD protocols are followed
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