Having been an oncology physical therapist for almost a decade in the hospital setting, I saw a need for a more holistic and multidisciplinary approach to recovery. Inspired by my own mother and grandmother’s journeys with cancer, I opened Cancer Rehab Austin in January of 2016. Thankfully the treatment of cancer is starting to move more towards quality of life and addressing the entire person, not just the cancer. That mission is at the heart of CRA.
— Dr. Angela Wicker-Ramos
Dr. Angela Wicker-Ramos PT, DPT, CLT- LANA is the owner, director of rehabilitation, certified lymphedema therapist, and oncology physical therapist for CRIM. Since 2008 her specialty areas have focused on oncology rehabilitation and lymphedema treatment. Angela has helped develop several outpatient oncology and lymphedema programs: including Lovelace Women’s Hospital, Sullivan Physical Therapy, Seton Medical Center Austin, Seton Breast Care Center and Texas Oncology. Angela was the Director of Health and Wellness at Texas Oncology from 2018-2019. She is actively involved in several committees and cancer care and support organizations.
Cancer Rehab and Integrative Medicine is dedicated to the healing and recovery for those dealing with cancer and their caregivers. We are here as a partner throughout your journey to help improve your quality of life. CRIM’s highly specialized practitioners collaborate to provide clients with a seamless and integrative plan of care.
Oncology physical therapy addresses impairments associated with cancer treatment, related to:
- Strength and range of motion
- Balance and gait training
- Scar and tissue tightness and restriction
- Pain, endurance, balance issues and fatigue
- Axillary web syndrome (cording)
- Pelvic floor dysfunction and incontinence
- Pre-operative mobility assessment
- Post-operative mobility assessment
Oncology rehabilitation is a type of therapy that helps individuals achieve improved physical function during and after cancer treatment. Therapists receive specific training to address the unique needs of individuals undergoing or recovering from cancer surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Oncology rehabilitation can help those recovering from most types of cancers, including but not limited to breast, head and neck, lymphoma, cervical, bladder, prostate, and colorectal.
Surgical treatment for cancer can lead to tissue tightness and scarring, decreased range of motion, swelling, and pain. Physical therapy utilizes manual techniques and gentle exercises to assist in improving tissue quality, endurance, motion, circulation, and reducing pain. Among uro-gynecological cancers, incontinence and pelvic pain are common side effects.
Radiation treatment can cause fatigue, swelling, and hardening of tissues which may create restrictions in motion and poor tolerance to activity. Oncology rehabilitation can help with use of energy conservation techniques, range of motion, endurance exercises, and tissue/muscle mobilization.
Research shows that an exercise routine can help decrease some of the side effects of chemotherapy, including fatigue, joint pain, neuropathy and difficulty sleeping. Physical therapy can assist in developing a safe and appropriate exercise routine to help reduce these potential chemotherapy side effects.
Angela is featured in an in-depth article about lymphedema in Livestrong Voices, the blog on the Livestrong website. Lymphedema is often experienced by those who have received cancer treatment, yet it’s not a widely understood condition. Angela discusses what lymphedema is, signs and symptoms of lymphedema, and treatment/management options for those who are diagnosed with it. The more you know, the better prepared you are to spot possible issues and address them quickly.
https://blog.livestrong.org/lymphedema-illuminating-the-medical-condition-that-impacts-many-cancer-patients-477e3e267883
Phone: (737) 237-5656
Fax: (737) 237-5657
Austin, Texas
[email protected]
Leave a Reply