"I give my full support to the LifeStrength program that e+CancerCare is now offering to people who need cancer rehabilitation and lymphedema treatment. I ONLY suggest their facility. Thank you for advertising on my site."---Matt Poe

For more information and scheduling, please call (615) 783-1084.

Life-saving cancer treatments are not without side-effects. In the majority of cases, the benefits of the treatments outweigh the risks; however, the quality of life and confidence for a cancer survivor may be compromised if any residual effects are not properly managed. Conditions that may be addressed include the altered strength, coordination, and flexibility that stem from cancer and/or cancer treatment and lymphedema, the painful build-up of lymph in an extremity.

LifeStrength Cancer Rehabilitation and Lymphedema Care is one of Tennessee’s only outpatient centers focused on the needs of patients with cancer. Our experienced, licensed physical, occupational, and massage therapists, in conjunction with our exercise science specialists, have advanced training in cancer rehabilitation and lymphedema care to help improve the function and overall quality of life of patients.

Together, we strive to support patients with cancer anywhere along the continuum of cancer care, from diagnosis through survivorship, in an environment of compassion and encouragement.

Cancer Rehabilitation

Surgery and other cancer treatments may leave patients weakened, diminishing their level of independence and self-esteem. The goals of rehabilitation are to strengthen the body, restore movement, and help patients to return to normal activities of daily living.

Physical and occupational therapy involve the use of therapeutic exercises/activities to rebuild muscle strength and coordination and help regain previous functional levels. Care plans may include strength and balance training, ambulation, and range of motion exercises.

Benefits Of Rehabilitation For Patients With Cancer:

• Elevated confidence and self esteem
• Accelerated recovery
• Increased range of motion, flexibility, and balance
• Improved strength, conditioning, and endurance
• Decreased pain
• Restored function
• Renewed independence
• Lowered risk of post-treatment lymphedema
• Reduced anxiety

Individual Goals May Include:

• Maximizing function following surgery
  (e.g. lumpectomy, mastectomy, prostatectomy)
• Strengthening muscle groups associated with areas of dysfunction throughout the body (e.g. scapula, serratus interior, abdominals, acromioclavicular and glenohumeral joint)
• Offsetting weakness caused by cancer and/or cancer treatments
• Boosting overall fitness (e.g. helping patients return to sports, life, and fitness activities)
   

Lymphedema Care

Regardless of whether it was caused by cancer, cancer treatment, or a congenital abnormality, lymphedema
can be debilitating. Lymphedema care is a branch of medicine in which specially trained physical, occupational, and massage therapists use advanced techniques to help minimize the swelling, pain, and decreased flexibility associated with lymphedema in order to improve a patient’s ability to participate in activities of daily living.

At LifeStrength Cancer Rehabilitation and Lymphedema Care, our Certified Lymphedema Therapists are expertly trained in the specific methods appropriate to patients with lymphedema to help improve quality of life and self esteem. Core components of an effective management program for a patient with lymphedema include Complete Decongestive Therapy, Ongoing Exercise Protocols, and Education, the latter of which will ultimately facilitate the lifelong management of lymphedema.

Complete Decongestive Therapy for Lymphedema:

Manual Lymph Drainage: Use of gentle massage techniques to help improve circulation and drain excess fluid from the affected extremity Compression

Bandaging: Application of padding and special bandages to the involved areas.

Skin Care: Development of a skin care regimen in order to maintain optimal skin health and to guard against infection.

Therapeutic Exercise: Performance of specific exercises, while in compression bandaging, to aid in the elimination of excess fluid and to improve strength and range of motion in the affected area

Ongoing Exercise Protocols:

A need-based protocol will be designed for each individual by our expert therapists and specialists. Patients will be under close supervision as exercises are performed.

• Flexibility Exercises: Preservation of range of motion, prevention of joint contractures, and enhancement of lymph flow
• Resistive Exercises: Enhancement of lymph flow and prevention of limb swelling from muscle overuse
• Aerobic Conditioning: Improvement in cardiovascular fitness and overall health, effective weight management, and enhancement of venous and lymphatic circulation

Education:

• Personalized care plan designed for each patient
• Lymphedema care tips
• Nutrition as it relates to optimal health and lymphedema management
• Other wellness resources (e.g. counseling, group therapy)