The Role of Rehabilitation in Cancer Care
When people think of physical rehabilitation, they often picture recovery from injury, surgery, or major events like a heart attack or stroke. In the past decade, however, rehabilitation has become a vital part of comprehensive care for cancer patients as well.
The Burke Outpatient Cancer Rehabilitation Program, in collaboration with White Plains Hospital under the leadership of its director, Dr. Sammy Wu, brings specialized, evidence-based rehabilitation to patients across the Hudson Valley.
A Specialized Approach to Cancer Recovery
Dr. Wu, a physiatrist who specializes in cancer rehabilitation, defines the specialty as a comprehensive approach to maintaining or restoring physical, psychological, social, cognitive, and vocational function, with the goal of reducing disability, managing symptoms, and improving quality of life during and after cancer treatment.
The program addresses impairments caused by both cancer and its treatments— such as surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy—which can affect the nervous system and musculoskeletal structures. Rehabilitation focuses on improving strength, endurance, mobility, balance, and range of motion, while managing pain and related symptoms.
Cancer physiatrists, physicians with specialized fellowship training, often become involved at diagnosis, coordinating care through imaging and lab review, comprehensive evaluations, and personalized treatment plans.
When patient Elaine Killian, 73, experienced muscle weakness following her cancer treatment, the program offered critical support.
“Dr. Wu gave me the knowledge and guidance to function effectively as a survivor." Patient, Elaine Killian
Preparing Patients Before Treatment
In some cases, rehabilitation begins even before treatment—an approach known as prehabilitation. “Some patients have as many as 12 weeks before major surgery is needed,” Dr. Wu says.
“That time is critical for preparing the body and mind for what lies ahead— much like training for a marathon.”
Prehabilitation may involve increasing physical activity, optimizing nutrition, addressing anxiety or depression, quitting smoking or alcohol, and improving sleep.
“There are five pillars of cancer treatment: surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, and rehabilitation,” adds Dr. Mooyeon Oh-Park, Chief Physician, Research & Innovation at Burke Rehabilitation. “The evidence is clear—rehabilitation is not a luxury; it is a necessity.”
A Comprehensive Team Approach
The Burke Outpatient Cancer Rehabilitation Program integrates care and services under one coordinated model across many specialties at both Burke Rehabilitation® and White Plains Hospital’s Center for Cancer Care. Patients have access to physical, occupational, lymphedema, and speech therapy; neuropsychology; community-based exercise; art and music therapy; clinical navigation and social work; nutrition counseling; and survivorship programs and support groups.