Individualised Cancer Rehabilitation Christchurch

Active Health proudly offers Cancer Rehabilitation within our Christchurch and North Canterbury communities, as well as to those who may be in Christchurch for cancer treatment or follow ups. As each person will be affected by cancer and its treatments in unique ways, we start with a 1:1 appointment to either understand what your treatment plan looks like going forward, or what you have already been/are going through, and how this may or has already  impacted your ability to do those things important to you. We will have a look and often feel the area affected on your body, see how you move and discuss recommendations for your prehabilitation (preparation) or rehabilitation (recovery).

The recommended plan will look different for each person and may involve continuing individual physiotherapy, performing the recommended exercise at home or at the gym, and/or participating in group exercise classes. Individual physiotherapy sessions can include education, hands on treatment, scar management, exercise prescription, fatigue management and home exercise programmes. We offer 2 types of group exercise classes. See Cancer Group Exercise Classes for more information.

Cancer rehabilitation may be covered by health insurance or private payment, or financial assistance may be available through charities. All patient enquiries or referrals that are placed through the Pinc and Steel Cancer Rehabilitation Foundation website are offered funding for their initial physiotherapy session, with just a $10 surcharge. Your physiotherapist will then discuss options for further funding with you.

Pinc and Steel patient enquiry link: https://www.pincandsteel.com/make-an-enquiry-register/

Pinc and Steel referral link: https://www.pincandsteeleducation.com/referral-form/

Common cancer related symptoms and conditions we treat:

• Cording/axillary web syndrome (tight band in armpit and/or in arm or trunk)
• Depression and anxiety
• Fatigue (overwhelming tiredness/low energy)
• Fibrosis (tightness/thickening of tissues)
• Limited motion (movement in joints is limited)
• Low endurance (low fitness)
• Difficulty getting up/down from chairs or bed, walking or climbing stairs
• Difficulty/inability to exercise
• Unsure/not confident in what exercise it is safe to do
• Neuropathy (pins and needles, tingling or numbness in the hands or feet)
• Pain
• Poor balance
• Weakness
• Scar tissue
• Pelvic floor dysfunction
• Bladder or bowel concerns
• Sexual dysfunction
• Vaginal stenosis