The Cancer Rehab Community Conference-2024

Learning Objectives for Physical Therapists

Conference Learning Outcomes:

  1. Participants will learn to apply essential safety principles in cancer rehabilitation, ensuring effective therapeutic interventions for oncology patients.

  2. Participants will identify practical strategies and techniques to improve the functional mobility of oncology patients, addressing specific impairments caused by cancer and its treatments.

  3. Participants will understand the latest evidence-based practices in oncologic physical therapy, enabling them to integrate these practices into their clinical routines for enhanced patient outcomes.

Session-Based Learning Outcomes:

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy

  1. Be able to analyze how chemotherapy affects the nerves and muscles resulting in CIPN.

  2. Be able to apply manual therapy techniques for patients with neuropathy.

  3. Be able to select techniques to best help patients be compliant with the home exercise program for self-massage. 

Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Toxicities Related to Cancer Treatment

  1. Recall cardiovascular and pulmonary anatomy and physiology.

  2. Identify common cardiovascular and pulmonary conditions associated with cancer treatments.

  3. Understand when to implement cardiovascular and/or pulmonary examination techniques based on the patient's cancer history and subjective report.

Trauma-Informed Care

  1. By the end of the presentation, participants will be able to identify behavioral, emotional, and physical indicators of trauma in patients undergoing cancer rehabilitation.

  2. Participants will learn how to effectively communicate with trauma survivors, obtain informed consent for physical contact, and utilize trauma-sensitive language and body language to create a safe and supportive environment for healing.

  3. Participants will gain the skills to modify assessment procedures and rehabilitation exercises to accommodate the unique needs and challenges of individuals with a history of trauma, promoting positive therapeutic outcomes.

  4. Participants will understand the importance of collaboration in providing comprehensive and coordinated care for trauma survivors. 

Oncology Team and Program Development

  1. Understand the goals when developing an oncology rehab program

  2. Identify the different types of oncology rehab programs

  3. Remember the strategies to develop good working relationships and collaboration within rehab team members and oncologists.

Acute Care Oncology

  1. Discuss the unique challenges regarding appropriate discharge recommendations for oncology patients.

  2. Identify areas of improvement needed in acute care oncology rehabilitation.

  3. Implement interventions in clinical practice that adequately prepare patients for discharge and further oncology treatment.  

Exercise Prescription

  1. Upon completing this presentation, you can summarize current evidence-based content regarding exercise in persons diagnosed with cancer. 

  2. After completing this presentation, you will be able to utilize the current evidenced-based content to assist with clinical decision-making for exercise programming. 

  3. By the end of this presentation, you will be able to develop an exercise program for a person diagnosed with cancer regardless of impairment(s).

Head and Neck Cancer

  1. Demonstrate understanding of key anatomical structures related to head and neck cancer.

  2. Demonstrate understanding of assessment and treatment of impairments as related to head and neck cancer treatment.

  3. Demonstrate understanding of management of lymphedema as a connecting link in head and neck cancer rehabilitation.


Demystifying Breast, Chest Wall, & Axillary Pain After Breast Cancer Treatment

  1. Define the incidence and natural history of pain after breast cancer surgery  

  2. Recognize the characteristics of Post Mastectomy Pain Syndrome (PMPS)

  3. Identify examination findings for a patient presenting to rehab for PMPS

..and more to come!