Cancer Rehab & Integrative Medicine of Austin

Is Cancer Rehab Right for You?
If you are experiencing challenges like fatigue, pain, weakness, or difficulty with balance, movement, or memory, you are not alone — and you don’t have to push through it alone. Cancer rehabilitation is here to help. From managing neuropathy and lymphedema to improving communication, swallowing, or daily mobility, our specialized therapies are tailored to support your recovery and improve your quality of life.

If you or a loved one are navigating life during or after cancer treatment, call us at Cancer Rehab & Integrative Medicine in North Austin. Let’s talk about how we can help you feel and function better — every step of the way. Call us today: 737-237-5656

Dear Community,
I am thrilled to share some exciting updates with you this month. We recently welcomed Erin, our new pelvic floor and sexual health therapist, to the clinic — and with her expertise, we are now able to better support cancer survivors as they navigate changes in intimacy and sexual health.

We are dedicated to exploring resources, creative approaches, and evidence-based research around sexual wellness during and after cancer treatment. It is a topic that can feel difficult to discuss, but it is such an important part of whole-person healing — and we are honored to hold safe compassionate space for it here.

Thank you for trusting us on your journey. We are so excited about the care we can offer with Erin on our team.
– Angela Wicker-Ramos

Lasting Relief: Pelvic Floor Therapy for Painful Intercourse
Pain during intercourse (dyspareunia) is a common concern for many gynecological cancer survivors but there is hope. A recent study examined women who completed a 12-week pelvic floor physical therapy (PFPT) program, which included education, hands-on therapy, and pelvic floor exercises. The results? Not only did participants experience reduced pain and improved sexual function shortly after treatment, but these improvements were still present one year later.

Women also shared how treatment positively impacted their confidence, body image, and emotional well-being. For many, learning to manage pelvic floor muscles and building trust in their bodies again opened the door to a more comfortable and connected intimate life.

The pelvic floor is a group of deep muscles that support your bladder, bowels, and reproductive organs. When these muscles are weak, tight, or uncoordinated, it can lead to issues like urinary urgency, bowel dysfunction, incontinence, pelvic pain, painful penetration, or challenges during pregnancy and delivery. Pelvic floor rehab helps restore strength, flexibility, and function — so that you can feel more like yourself again.

Breast cancer treatments may be associated with changes to the pelvic floor — the muscles that make sex enjoyable and help you make it to the bathroom in time. Here’s how physical therapy can help.

Chemotherapy and hormonal therapy for breast cancer may affect your pelvic muscles, also called the pelvic floor. These muscles, which run from the tailbone to the pubic bone, help support your bladder and other organs. Damage to the pelvic floor can lead to unwanted bladder leakage, constipation, pelvic pain, pain with sex, and other issues.

If you are experiencing these or other painful symptoms in your pelvic region, you may be a good candidate for a type of physical therapy, called pelvic floor therapy…

Want to learn more? Read the full study here.

(Erin is here to help guide you through these same evidence-based therapies at our clinic.)

What the Science Says About Sexual Health After Cancer
Research from leaders in sexual health and palliative care highlight that sexual function is often impacted by cancer treatment — but with the right support, survivors can see significant improvement in comfort, confidence, and connection. Evidence-based approaches, including pelvic floor therapy and creative intimacy strategies, have been shown to help ease pain, restore confidence, and rekindle relationships. Our goal is to bring these science-backed solutions directly to you, with compassionate care at every step.
Book with Us

Sexual Health is Part of Cancer Recovery
Sexual health challenges are common for cancer survivors, yet often go unspoken. Side effects of treatment — such as pain, hormonal changes, fatigue, or emotional shifts — can profoundly impact intimacy and self-image. The good news: there are evidence-based strategies and supportive therapies to help.

Research in sexual health and palliative care shows that communication, creative intimacy (like “Othercourse, mentioned in the next section”), and pelvic floor therapy can improve physical comfort and rekindle connection. These conversations don’t have to feel awkward — sexual health is a vital part of whole-person healing.

Our clinic is here to support you. Whether you are coping with physical discomfort, anxiety, or simply want to reimagine intimacy, we offer compassionate care designed for cancer survivors. Contact us to book a session with Erin, our pelvic floor and sexual health therapist, and take one step toward a more comfortable, joyful intimate life.

Living with Cancer & Embracing Intimacy
Sexuality doesn’t disappear when cancer becomes part of your life—it simply changes. This insightful article from Cure Today explores ways to navigate intimacy and connection while living with chronic cancer, offering both compassion and practical advice.

Read full article here.

Redefining Pleasure Beyond Intercourse
Sometimes intimacy needs a fresh approach — especially when life, health, or physical changes shift the way we experience sex. “Othercourse” is a playful creative kind of sex play that isn’t limited to or focused on intercourse. It is about rediscovering what brings you and your partner pleasure — whether that is slow, sensual touch, “heavy petting” that brings back youthful memories, or simply spending time focusing on connection rather than performance or goals.

Othercourse is for anyone looking to spice things up, ease performance pressure, or explore intimacy in ways that feel safe, fun, and deeply connected. It can be especially helpful if intercourse is uncomfortable, stressful, or simply not what you want right now. Flexibility, humor, and a willingness to try something new can open doors to connection and pleasure you might not have imagined.

Learn more about Othercourse here.

If intimacy has felt different lately — or if you would like support exploring ways to reconnect — our pelvic floor and sexual health therapist Erin is here to help.

Sexual Resources at Your Fingertips
Sexual health is an important part of healing — and it is okay to need a little help. Erin is a wealth of information and has shared with us two of her favorite tools for connection, that are both supportive and fun for partners and solo intimacy.

Two of her favorite tools:
Intimacy After Dark – a thoughtful game to open conversation, deepen connection, and foster mutual understanding between partners. Click here to purchase.

Come As You Are by Dr. Emily Nagoski – a powerful book unpacking the science of sexuality and the importance of compassion in how we care for ourselves and each other. Click here to purchase.

Meet Erin – Our New Pelvic Floor and Sexual Health Therapist

Compassionate Support for Your Sexual Health Journey

Erin specializes in pelvic floor therapy and sexual health counseling designed specifically for cancer patients and survivors in reclaiming comfort, confidence, and joy in their intimate lives. Whether you are experiencing pain, changes in intimacy, or simply want to feel more connected to your body, Erin provides a safe and supportive space to explore solutions.

We also understand that sexual health can shift after cancer treatment or big life changes. Erin offers a compassionate whole-person approach that can include both pelvic physical therapy and talk-based sexuality counseling tailored to your needs.

Sexual Health in Breast Oncology:
A Multidisciplinary Approach to Management

From the Breast Cancer Resource Center:
Sexual health is an essential part of cancer care, yet it’s often one of the least discussed topics after a breast cancer diagnosis. Changes in intimacy, pelvic floor function, and sexual well-being can deeply impact quality of life — and addressing them requires a team approach.

Call today to schedule a session and take the first step toward rediscovering pleasure on your own terms.

Learn More Pelvic Floor Therapy & Sexual Health

A Gentle Pelvic Floor Exercise You Can Try Today
Here is a bladder retraining exercise you can try when you have the Urge to Urinate before it is Time.

1. Sit down
2. Take a deep relaxing breath
3. Squeeze and Relax your pelvic floor muscles 5x
4. Distract yourself. (Count down from 100 by 7s)
5. Calmly Walk to the Toilet
6. Repeat if urge returns, even if it is once you are in the restroom.

NEVER rush to the toilet. Always do urge deferment first!

Want a personalized plan? Erin can help. Click the button below to get started!

Improvements following multimodal pelvic floor physical therapy in gynecological cancer survivors suffering from pain during sexual intercourse.
A large proportion of gynecological cancer survivors suffer from pain during sexual intercourse, also known as dyspareunia. Following a multimodal pelvic floor physical therapy (PFPT) treatment, a reduction in pain and improvement in psychosexual outcomes were found.

Conclusions: Findings suggest that the short-term improvements following multimodal PFPT are sustained and meaningful for gynecological cancer survivors with dyspareunia one year after treatment.

Read complete article here

Sexuality Counseling: Compassionate Conversations for Your Sexual Well-Being
Sexual health is an important part of your overall well-being — and it can be deeply affected by cancer treatment, life transitions, stress, or relationship changes. That is why we are proud to offer sexuality counseling as part of our integrative approach to care at CRIM.

Sexuality counseling is short-term, patient-centered, and rooted in open and supportive conversation. Whether you are struggling with low desire, feeling disconnected from your body, facing intimacy challenges with a partner, or just looking to better understand your sexual self, we are here to help — without judgment and at your own pace.

Some common reasons people seek sexuality counseling:

• Low or changing sexual desire
• Feeling disconnected from your body or sense of vitality
• Relationship challenges around intimacy
• Sexual anxiety or performance concerns
• Exploring identity or seeking trusted sexual health information

Your first session starts with a few intake questions to help clarify your goals. Together, we will create a personalized plan — typically 3 to 6 talk-based sessions, in person or via Telehealth. You may also receive optional homework for solo or partner exploration to support healing and growth between sessions.

If you are also doing pelvic floor therapy, we often begin there and layer in sexuality counseling when the time is right.

Book Now

Meet our Oncology Rehab Practitioners.

Angela Wicker Ramos, PT, DPT, CLT-LANA, Board-Certified Oncology Specialist
Founder and Director of Rehabilitation at CRIM, Angela Wicker-Ramos is a trailblazer in the field of oncology rehab and lymphedema therapy. Since 2008, she has dedicated her career to helping individuals navigate the physical and emotional challenges of cancer recovery with skill, compassion, and innovation.

Angela holds dual doctorates and master’s degrees in physical therapy, along with advanced certifications in oncology rehab, lymphedema treatment, and survivorship care. She is one of the few LANA-certified lymphedema therapists in Central Texas and is Board Certified in Oncology Physical Therapy — a rare distinction that reflects her deep expertise.

Over the years, Angela has helped build and shape several leading cancer rehab programs across Texas. She is a respected educator, speaker, course developer, and published author in the field, and continues to contribute to national organizations and local collaborations, including Livestrong, Seton, and the Austin Cancer Support Coalition.

Angela is known for her whole-person approach, her passion for patient-centered care, and her tireless advocacy for making cancer rehab accessible, empowering, and truly integrative.
Book with Angela

Tammy Flinn, PTA, CLT – Integrative Rehab Therapist with a Heart for Healing
With over two decades of experience in physical therapy, Tammy brings a powerful blend of clinical skill, compassionate care, and whole-person healing to her work at CRIM. A licensed Physical Therapist Assistant since 1996, Tammy holds a degree in biology from Texas Woman’s University and is a Certified Lymphedema Therapist through the Academy of Lymphatic Studies.

Tammy has spent her career immersed in specialized care, with advanced training in orthopedics, oncology rehab, lymphedema, and wound care. She has worked in orthopedic and lymphedema clinics, hospitals, and patient support groups — always advocating for her patients and meeting them where they are on their journey.

Tammy’s approach is deeply integrative. Alongside traditional PT techniques, she incorporates mind-body practices like yoga when beneficial, and she is also a certified yoga instructor. Her belief in evidence-based holistic care helps her patients tap into their own strength and resilience as they work toward recovery and balance.

Known for her nurturing presence and tireless dedication, Tammy is here to help each patient feel empowered, supported, and seen.
Book with Tammy

Oncology Massage

Cancer treatment can leave behind more than just fatigue. It often causes deep muscle tension, stiffness, and discomfort that linger long after treatment ends. As summer invites us to become more active, many survivors find themselves wanting to move more — but feeling held back by physical tension or limited range of motion.

Oncology massage is designed specifically to help release muscular tightness, reduce inflammation, and support the nervous system. Whether you are experiencing lingering side effects or simply feeling the push to “spring clean” your body’s stress, massage can be a powerful ally in restoring ease and movement.

Oncology massage is designed to meet the unique needs of someone in treatment for cancer or with a history of cancer treatment. An individually-tailored session with an oncology-trained massage therapist can yield benefits for nearly all persons affected by cancer.

A gentle massage for those receiving treatment for cancer or who have survived cancer helps the patient to thrive, relieve pain, lessen the side effects from chemotherapy treatments, and boost and revitalize the immune system.

Oncology Massage Therapy Benefits Include:

– Reduced pain

– Decreased anxiety and stress

– Relief from nausea

– Diminished peripheral neuropathy

– Less swelling

– Increased energy, less fatigue

– Improved quality of life and sense of well-being

– Improved lymphatic circulation

Our Oncology Massage Therapists bring compassion, skill, and expertise to every session, helping you find relief, relaxation, and renewed strength on your cancer journey.

Theresa Attea LMT LMTI, RN, BSN.
With her healing hands and compassionate heart, Theresa brings a wealth of expertise and personal experience to oncology massage.

As a two-time cancer survivor, stem cell transplant recipient, and registered nurse, Theresa truly understands what it means to support healing from the inside out.

Whether she is using gentle manual lymphatic drainage, energy-balancing Reiki, or the soothing touch of Swedish massage, Theresa tailors every session to meet her clients’ unique needs — empowering them to feel their best during and after cancer treatment.
Book a session with Theresa

Lymphedema Therapy:
Expert Care for Swelling and Discomfort

Lymphedema is a common side effect of cancer treatments like surgery and radiation, especially for breast, pelvic, or head and neck cancers. It can lead to swelling, discomfort, and reduced mobility — but with proper therapy, it is  manageable. Our certified lymphedema therapists use techniques like manual lymphatic drainage, compression, and therapeutic exercise to reduce swelling and support your long-term wellness.

If you are experiencing swelling or discomfort, reach out to CRIM to see how lymphedema therapy can help you find relief.

Learn More about Lymphedema

Speech Pathology and Speech Therapy 

Speech-language pathology is a key component of cancer rehabilitation, especially for those affected by head and neck cancers, brain tumors, or treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. Whether you are experiencing difficulty with speech, swallowing, voice, or communication, working with a speech therapist can help restore function and improve your quality of life.

At CRIM, our licensed SLP specializes in oncologic rehabilitation and takes a whole-person approach to care. If you or a loved one are facing challenges in speaking, eating, or voice recovery after cancer treatment, we  are here to help.

Elizabeth “Itzy” Otterbein M.S., CCC-SLP
Head & Neck Cancer and Voice Rehabilitation Specialist

Elizabeth is a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist with a heart for advocacy and a passion for helping patients reclaim their voice, confidence, and quality of life. Specializing in head and neck cancer rehab, Itzy works with individuals navigating the effects of chemo/radiation therapy, surgical recovery, and complex voice and swallowing disorders — including glossectomies and total laryngectomies.

With a Master’s in Communication Sciences and Disorders from NYU and a background in linguistics, Itzy brings both technical precision and deep empathy to her care. She is known for her whole-person approach, taking the time to build strong relationships with patients and their families while offering personalized, empowering treatment.

Itzy has completed advanced training in tracheo-esophageal puncture and prosthesis voice restoration, post-laryngectomy pulmonary rehab, and myofascial release for neck, voice, and swallowing. Her dedication to continuing education ensures she stays at the forefront of oncologic speech therapy.

She is especially passionate about advocating for patients facing head and neck cancer, and is committed to supporting their healing not just functionally — but emotionally and socially as well.
Book with Itzy

Physical Therapy:
Restore Strength and Function
During and After Cancer Treatment

Cancer and its treatments can take a toll on your body — causing fatigue, weakness, balance issues, and decreased mobility. Oncology physical therapy helps you rebuild strength, improve endurance, and restore everyday function. Whether you are in active treatment or years into survivorship, our therapists create personalized plans to help you move with greater confidence and comfort.

Learn More about Physical Therapy

Erin Dean, Doctor of Physical Therapy
Erin brings a truly integrative approach to healing. She is certified in pelvic health, lymphedema therapy, oncology rehabilitation, and is also a trained sexuality counselor, supporting patients in reconnecting with vitality, confidence, and sexual wellness after cancer treatment.

With a foundation in both physical therapy and yoga, Erin sees each person as a whole — body, mind, and spirit. She blends clinical expertise with compassionate care, helping patients move through recovery with empowerment and self-awareness.

Erin earned her DPT from Texas State University and holds certifications from respected programs like LANA, PORi, and the APTA’s CAPP Pelvic Health certification. She is also a 500-hour certified Viniyoga teacher and a member of AASECT, the APTA Oncology & Pelvic Health sections, and the Sexual Health Alliance.

Before entering the PT field, Erin spent a decade traveling, working, and volunteering around the world — a journey that shaped her patient-centered, culturally-sensitive approach. Outside the clinic, she is an avid cyclist, nature lover, and proud mom of a five-year-old son.

Through her ongoing presentations with organizations like Texas Oncology Foundation, Junior League of Austin, and SafeSpacesYoga, Erin continues to share her expertise far and wide — and now, she brings it home to CRIM.
Book with Erin

How Can PT Help?
Surgery: Reduces scar tightness, improves range of motion, and relieves pain

Radiation: Addresses fatigue and tissue stiffness, improving mobility and energy

Chemotherapy: Alleviates fatigue, neuropathy, and joint pain through safe guided exercise

Hormone Therapy: Mitigates side-effects like bone loss, weight gain, and muscle pain with personalized exercise plans

Lymphedema: Certified therapists offer specialized techniques to reduce swelling and improve lymphatic flow

For example … Cancer Related Fatigue
Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is a persistent and overwhelming tiredness that doesn’t improve with rest, often making it hard to perform daily tasks. It is a common side-effect of cancer and its treatments, affecting up to 80% of survivors.

Physical therapy can be a game-changer for managing CRF. Through a personalized program of gentle exercise, posture training, and energy conservation techniques, physical therapists help you build strength, improve endurance, and regain independence. Research shows that combining aerobic and strength training is especially effective in reducing fatigue and enhancing quality of life.

If CRF is holding you back, let us design a plan tailored to your goals and help you get back to doing the things you love!

If you are looking for hands-on additional support during your cancer journey, contact our integrative care team today.

Gladys Nichols has nearly 40 years experience as a physical therapist and a passion working with those dealing with and recovering from cancer treatment. She believes in mind-body exercise as a tool to assist with conventional medical treatment.

Let’s give a big CONGRATULATIONS to our amazing Gladys for taking the leap and opening up her very own Pilates practice, “Cruz Control Pilates”!

Reach out by email or give her a call at 737-341-9603 to book your session today! Her contact info is [email protected] 737-341-9603

Tammy is our passionate Physical Therapy Assistant, Certified Lymphedema Therapist, Fitness and Yoga Instructor. Tammy adores helping others find a better quality of life, using their own abilities.

 

 

 

Acupuncture

Many of us feel the effects of the summer season — especially here in Austin, where allergy season hits hard. Acupuncture is not only a gentle and natural way to ease seasonal allergy symptoms like congestion, headaches, and fatigue, but it also supports your body in adjusting to the energetic shifts that come with the changing seasons.

For cancer survivors, acupuncture can offer even deeper healing benefits. It has been shown to help reduce treatment-related pain, calm stress and anxiety, improve sleep, and support the body’s natural recovery processes. Whether you are navigating active treatment, survivorship or simply feeling out of sync, acupuncture can help restore balance and enhance your well-being from the inside out.

Curious if acupuncture is right for you? Our integrative care team is here to guide you.

Acupuncture at CRIM

Hanna Liebermann Dipl. O.M. (NCCAOM), MAcCHM is on our acupuncture and integrative medicine team.

Hanna is a licensed acupuncturist skilled in treating pain, neuropathy, digestive complaints, stress, anxiety, insomnia, and more.

Her training includes a 4-year master’s degree in Acupuncture with a Chinese Herbal Medicine Specialization from AOMA Graduate School of Integrative Medicine. Her practice has been shaped by clinical experience treating a wide range of patient populations and conditions at AOMA’s Acupuncture Clinic, Austin Veteran Affairs Clinic, Seton McCarthy Community Health Center, and People’s Community Clinic.

For several years, she worked as an herbalist at AOMA’s herbal pharmacy, filling prescriptions for clinicians in the Austin area. Prior to her education in Traditional Chinese Medicine, she earned her B.A. in Biology with a focus in plant sciences. Hanna looks forward to supporting patients and caregivers with a treatment plan unique to them.

Evidence shows acupuncture as an adjunct to standard oncology therapies can be effective in treating conditions such as:

• Nausea and Vomiting
• Pain
• Stress, anxiety and depression
• Neuropathy
• Hot Flashes
• Fatigue
• Constipation and Diarrhea
• Delayed Wound Healing
• Immune Support

Oncology Counselor

As our dedicated oncology counselor, Stacy Bockholt provides invaluable mental health support, helping patients navigate the emotional challenges of cancer treatment. Stacy offers both online and in-person group sessions, as well as private consultations, ensuring everyone has access to the care they need in a way that suits them best.

Join Stacy …

In-Treatment Support Group on Mondays 12-1 via zoom
Post-Treatment Support Group on Tuesdays at 2:00 via zoom
These events are $25 a session.

[email protected]

Oncology Dietitian

Krystle Zuniga is our dedicated Oncology Dietitian, who will help you navigate nutrition during and after cancer treatment. Follow her engaging Instagram account where she debunks common diet myths and shares valuable tips for managing side effects and supporting your recovery post-surgery. Don’t miss her regular cocktail hour, where she showcases delicious non-alcoholic drinks while providing fantastic health insights.
Book with Krystle

 

Oncology Skin Care

As summer brings more sunshine and time outdoors, it is a great moment to revisit your skincare routine — especially if you are currently undergoing or recovering from cancer treatment. Chemotherapy, radiation, and certain medications can leave skin extra sensitive, dry, or prone to sun damage, making gentle care and protection more important than ever.

Small seasonal adjustments — like increasing hydration, using mineral-based SPF, and incorporating gentle exfoliation — can go a long way in soothing and protecting treatment-affected skin. Oncology-safe skin care isn’t just about beauty — it is about comfort, healing, and confidence.

Book a personalized skincare session with Samantha, our oncology-trained esthetician, and explore her curated line of safe, soothing products designed for sensitive healing skin.

Samantha Kool is a Licensed Esthetician in the State of Texas. After studying at the Aveda Institute of Austin, she went on to complete an advanced certification program in Oncology Esthetics through Oncology Training International. She has been working in Esthetics since 2013, and is a member of our therapist team.

Samantha enjoys spending time with her 2 teenage children, her family, and her friends. In her free time, she is often found walking along the shores of LadyBird Lake or singing karaoke with her friends. She is an active volunteer in a variety of organizations, including the Breast Cancer Resource Center and the Aloe Foundation. Samantha is deeply passionate about sharing knowledge and resources with those afflicted with compromised skin from illness, aging, genetics, treatment, or medications. She believes that her work is a calling, and she remains steadfastly devoted to providing compassionate care to each and every client.
Contact Samantha

Weekly Virtual and In-Person Classes Offered at no charge to participants through the Moving Beyond Cancer Collaborative.

You may access exercise and wellness classes anytime with MBCC’s pre-recorded video library here. (Very bottom of their webpage)