Cancer Rehabilitation Christchurch
Cancer Rehabilitation Physiotherapy
With the advancements in diagnostic tools and treatment options, more and more people are surviving cancer.
However, cancer treatments often bring about challenging side effects that can impact one’s overall well-being. Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in evaluating and addressing the physical and functional limitations experienced by individuals undergoing cancer treatment, helping them resume essential activities, whether at home, work, socially, or in terms of exercise.
Ongoing research consistently highlights the numerous benefits of engaging in physiotherapy and exercise throughout various stages of cancer treatment. These include reduced fatigue, enhanced mobility, improved mood, increased quality of life, and a lower risk of lymphoedema. Exercise and rehabilitation have demonstrated a significant reduction in cancer recurrence and improved survival rates.
Our dedicated team of Cancer Rehabilitation Physiotherapists, certified through the PINC and STEEL Cancer Rehabilitation Foundation, take a personalised approach to each patient. By understanding their current situation and goals, we tailor a physiotherapy program that includes hands-on therapeutic methods and targeted exercises to address restrictions and limitations. It’s never too late to address the side effects of cancer treatments, and our team successfully supports patients at all stages, both immediately after treatment or years later.
Additionally, our team members Susan and Ashley, who are certified Pelvic Health Physiotherapists, are well-equipped to assist those facing pelvic health issues resulting from cancer treatments or those dealing with pelvic cancers such as prostate, gynecologic, bladder, and bowel cancer.
Please note that while we specialise in cancer rehabilitation, we do not provide lymphoedema treatment. For lymphoedema care, we recommend seeking assistance from specialists at Burwood Hospital, On the Go Physio, or Encompass.
Conditions Successfully Treated with Physiotherapy Include:
- Cording/Axillary Web Syndrome
- Depression and Anxiety
- Fatigue
- Fibrosis
- Limited Motion
- Low Endurance
- Neuropathy
- Pain
- Poor Balance
- Weakness
- Scar Tissue
- Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
- Bladder or Bowel Concerns
- Sexual Dysfunction
- Vaginal Stenosis
Active Health are proud to be a provider of the PINC and STEEL cancer rehabilitation programs for women and men with cancer, and the Next Steps/Targeted cancer group exercise classes. We offer individual PINC and STEEL physiotherapy and group exercise classes in both Christchurch and Rangiora.
Individual PINC and STEEL physio sessions may be covered by health insurance (physiotherapy or post-surgical benefits) or self payment.
Financial assistance/funding may be applied for through:
Breast Cancer Foundation (for those affected by breast cancer): https://www.breastcancerfoundation.org.nz/support/cancer-rehab/physio-application
OR
PINC and STEEL Cancer Rehabilitation Foundation (for other types of cancer): https://www.pincandsteel.com/apply-for-funding/
Next Steps/Targeted Classes: Anyone who has been affected by cancer, either recently or previously, is eligible for one term of funded classes.
To register for these classes, please complete the form at: https://www.pincandsteel.com/next-steps-enrolment/ and select Active Health Rangiora or Active Health Christchurch as the clinic where you would like to attend classes.
For more information about the PINC and STEEL physiotherapy and Next Steps/Targeted programs please visit: https://www.pincandsteel.com/programs.
You may also contact our team lead, Susan Larson, directly at: susan@activehealth.co.nz.
Susan Larson
Pelvic Health and Cancer Rehabilitation Physiotherapist
Susan has been a physiotherapist for over 25 years and has studied and worked in New Zealand, Australia and the USA. She spent the early part of her career working in musculoskeletal physiotherapy and developed strong manual therapy skills. On moving to America, Susan studied for and gained a Certificate of Advanced Study in Physical Therapy (Orthopaedics) and a Clinical Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Massachusetts General Hospital Institute of Health Professions in Boston.
Working largely with back and pelvic pain diagnoses, Susan felt there was a missing link in providing complete care for these patients, which lead to the development of a special interest in pelvic floor physiotherapy. Over the last few years Susan has completed extensive advanced training in Women’s, Men’s and Pelvic Health, including obtaining a Post Graduate Certificate in Women’s Health and Continence from Curtin University in Perth, completing Functional Dry Needling Certification (Level 1, 2 and advanced) from KinetaCore in Colorado, and numerous continuing education courses. Utilizing these skills, she now proudly offers a truly comprehensive successful physiotherapy approach to pelvic health issues. Currently, Susan focuses her pelvic health care on bowel problems, pelvic cancers (including prostate, gynaecologic, bladder or bowel cancer) and male pelvic health.
Susan also has a passion for cancer rehabilitation and works with patients before, during and after medical cancer treatments, addressing treatment side effects like pain, fatigue, weakness and pelvic health symptoms that may be affecting patient’s physical and functional abilities. While she was based in Colorado, Susan completed training in the Pink Ribbon Program, the Strength After Breast Cancer Program and became a Certified Lymphoedema Therapist. She was part of the cancer rehabilitation team at Boulder Community Hospital, working in close association with the Rocky Mountain Cancer Centre. Since returning to New Zealand she has become a certified provider of the PINC and STEEL cancer rehabilitation programs, which are internationally known physiotherapy and exercise programs for women and men with cancer. In addition to providing individualized cancer rehabilitation, Susan runs Next Steps/Targeted cancer group exercise classes in Christchurch and Rangiora. Susan has a special passion for working with those affected by pelvic cancers, utilising both her cancer rehab and pelvic health knowledge and skills.
Susan has returned to her hometown of Christchurch with her husband Keith, and is delighted to bring her unique skills and treatments to Active Health. Susan and Keith enjoy a well-balanced lifestyle including appreciation of good food and wine, travel, and many outdoor activities including hiking, biking, skiing and snowshoeing, as well as going on fun adventures with their border collie, Luca.
Kath Bull
Cancer Rehabilitation and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist
Kath has a wide range of physiotherapy experience, having graduated from the University of Otago in 1994. She has worked in many areas of musculoskeletal physiotherapy in New Zealand, America and the UK. She enjoys treating a wide range of conditions and is dedicated to helping people recover from their injuries through comprehensive assessment, treatment and individualised rehabilitation programmes.
Kath worked for Active Health from 2005-2008 at the QEII location, and then re-joined the Active Health team in 2017 after relocating from Auckland.
Kath has a special interest in cancer rehabilitation, and works with patients before, during and after medical cancer treatments, addressing treatment side effects like pain, fatigue and weakness that may have affect patient’s physical and functional abilities. Kath is a certified provider of the PINC and STEEL cancer rehabilitation programs, which are internationally known physiotherapy and exercise programs for women and men with cancer.
In addition Kath also works on ACC Vocational Rehabilitation contracts, both as a lead provider for these contracts and also providing rehabilitation to help clients return to work as soon as possible after injury. Kath has completed a Postgraduate Certificate in Rehabilitation with a paper in Work Rehabilitation.
In her spare time, Kath enjoys hiking, skiing and mountain biking.
Ashley Briscoe
Pelvic Health and Cancer Rehabilitation Physiotherapist
Ashley began her physiotherapy journey in Auckland after earning her Bachelor of Physiotherapy from the University of Otago. Recently, she returned to her hometown of Christchurch, bringing with her a wealth of knowledge and experience. Committed to continuous learning, Ashley has pursued postgraduate studies and completed numerous courses, focusing on pain management, pelvic health, and cancer rehabilitation. Next year, Ashley is intending gaining her masters, specialising in pelvic pain.
At the core of Ashley’s approach is a belief in instilling confidence to enable individuals to resume activities they enjoy and lead fulfilling lives. She places a strong emphasis on personalised rehabilitation, tailoring her strategies to each client’s unique needs, while setting meaningful goals to empower and motivate them. Specialising in postpartum care, Ashley finds great joy in guiding new mothers through their recovery journey and ensuring a safe return to exercise. Her expertise extends to working with sports injuries, and she is currently involved with the Belfast Premier team, contributing to their overall health and performance.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Ashley finds balance in life by spending quality time playing with her dogs and a good cup of coffee. Her holistic and compassionate approach to physiotherapy reflects her genuine passion for helping others achieve their optimal well-being.