Unfortunately side effects from cancer and cancer treatments (surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy) are common and can impact greatly on quality of life and independence.

With over 12 years of specific cancer experience Optimus Physiotherapy works closely with clients to offer a thorough assessment and establish personalised treatment plans.

We work holistically to achieve individual goals and work specifically on what is important to them, promoting independence and optimising quality of life.

Some of the specific areas Optimus Physiotherapy can work with you on are:

• Post breast cancer rehabilitation - working on maximising function, movement and strength within the shoulder and chest area
• Post head and neck cancer rehabilitation - working on maximising function, movement and strength within the neck and shoulder area
• Post abdominal surgery rehabilitation - working on core and lower back strength
• General fitness and body conditioning, including stretches and strengthening
• Improving confidence and ability to remain as independent as possible and feel safe to exercise after cancer
• Managing cancer related fatigue 
• Chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy 
• Advice and support following periods of reduced activity - this may be after a hospital stay or due to side effects of treatment
• Reduced balance and coordination
• Management of tight, restricted scars 

As part of your physiotherapy, treatment may include:

• Practical advice
• Range of movement exercises
• Strengthening exercises
• Proprioception and coordination exercises
• Pilates based exercises
• Massage and myofascial release
• Breathing exercises
• Tailored advice and recommendation

Acupuncture **COMING SOON**

Optimus Physiotherapy is also able to provide acupuncture treatment.  This might be suggested as part of your treatment plan or can be provided as a stand-alone management option for issues such as cancer-related hot flushes.  

Hot flushes can happen as a result of cancer treatments which can effect hormone levels in the body:

• Hormone therapies - often used for breast cancer and prostate cancer
• Treatments affecting the ovaries - chemotherapy, surgery or pelvic radiotherapy.

Women's Health Physiotherapy

Certain cancers and cancer treatments can have an effect on the pelvic floor which can lead to symptoms such as 

• Pelvic pain
• Urinary incontinence
• Urinary urgency
• Urinary frequency
• Incomplete emptying of the bladder
• Vaginal tightness
• Sexual dysfunction
• Bowel problems

Optimus Physiotherapy can offer assessment of these issues and provide advice on how to manage them.

Treatments may include:

• Lifestyle changes
• Bladder retraining
• Pelvic floor training 
• Myofascial release (external and/or internal)
• Pilates exercises
• Tailored advice

Other services:

Extended meetings with family or health professionals, written reports/letter or referral can be completed upon agreement (extra charges may apply)