Cancer patients in therapy, remission or survivorship receive assistance in reach optimal levels of function and return to daily activities with Medical Rehabilitation, provided through the Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute.

Services of particular interest to a person who has cancer include:

• Physical therapy, which provides assessment and treatment of weakness, fatigue, balance problems, and pain and joint tightness due to various forms of cancer treatment. Physical therapy may include exercise, muscle and joint stretching, manual therapy, balance training, home exercise education and postural retraining to assist the individual in returning to a higher level of functioning and comfort. Patients recovering from breast cancer surgery with lymph node removal, head and neck cancer surgery and sarcoma removal surgeries most often benefit from physical therapy.
• Lymphedema therapy, which works to reduce the swelling due to removing the lymph nodes (lymphedema) or from radiation therapy. Manual lymphatic drainage techniques are used. Compression bandages or devices are also used to improve and control the swelling.

For appointments, a doctor's written prescription is needed and may be sent by fax or mail. Prior authorization by the health plan may also be needed. Patients will be called to arrange an initial evaluation within 24 hours of receiving the prescription.

To schedule an appointment or to get more information, please call (310) 423-9200.