Cancer Rehabilitation Rangiora
Physiotherapy
Cancer rehabilitation is care that focuses on maximising a person’s physical and emotional functioning with cancer, and can be started before, during or after medical treatment. At Active Health our oncology physiotherapists are certified in cancer care, meaning they have a deep understanding of various types of cancer, how medical treatments for cancer work and the side effects they may have. They know how to safely and effectively prepare you for medical treatment, guide you through these treatments, optimise recovery after treatment and successfully manage side effects that may occur along the way.
We offer both individual physiotherapy sessions and cancer group exercise classes. Anyone with cancer or who has ever had cancer may benefit from rehabilitation, especially if there is anything that you could do before cancer that is more challenging today. Our oncology team are all Pinc and Steel Certified Physiotherapists, and thanks to the Pinc and Steel Cancer Rehabilitation Foundation there is financial assistance available should you need it. Our team is actively involved in fundraising activities for the foundation.
We are delighted to announce the launch of the Active Health Prostate Cancer Recovery Program- a comprehensive evidence-based programme using a proactive approach to optimise continence, erectile function, functional capacity, wellbeing, and quality of life following radical prostatectomy or other treatments for prostate cancer. See Prostate Cancer Recovery Programme for more information.
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
Meet our Cancer Rehabilitation Physiotherapists in Rangiora
Ashley Briscoe
Pelvic Health and Cancer Rehabilitation Physiotherapist
Ashley graduated from the University of Otago with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy and has completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Continence Management and Pain Management. She’s currently working towards her Master’s in Pain Management, specialising in Pelvic Pain. As a certified cancer rehabilitation physiotherapist through the Pinc and Steel Cancer Rehabilitation Foundation, Ashley specialises in musculoskeletal and pelvic health, treating back and hip issues, postpartum recovery, bladder and bowel incontinence, prolapse, pelvic pain, and sexual dysfunction. She’s trained in pessary fitting and has undergone international training in Male Pelvic Health Physiotherapy.
Ashley’s passion for physiotherapy stems from her love of helping both men and women regain confidence, improve their quality of life, and return to the activities they enjoy. She believes in individualised rehabilitation and goal setting, taking a holistic approach that empowers her clients to get back to doing what brings them joy. Her advanced training allows her to address complex conditions that significantly impact people’s daily lives and wellbeing.
With extensive experience working with sports teams and treating acute and chronic musculoskeletal injuries, Ashley brings valuable insight into movement patterns and injury rehabilitation. Her background helps her understand the physical demands placed on the body and supports her holistic approach to treating lower back, pelvic, glute, and hip pain.
Ashley started her career in Auckland where she worked at Birthcare providing early postpartum care and education, before returning to her hometown of Christchurch. She’s always learning and growing in her field, constantly updating her skills to provide the best possible care for her clients.
When she’s not working or studying, you’ll find Ashley walking her dogs, curled up with a good book.
Shannon Ruddell
Lymphoedema and Cancer Rehabilitation Physiotherapist
Shannon graduated from AUT with a Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy in 2010, gaining broad clinical experience across community rehabilitation, neurology, orthopaedics, and oncology and haematology. After moving into a senior oncology role in 2013, she pursued specialist lymphoedema training in Brisbane before spending three and a half years at the world-renowned Royal Marsden Cancer Hospital in London. On returning to New Zealand, she held senior roles at Auckland District Health Board and co-founded Auckland Lymphoedema and Rehabilitation in 2020. Her clinical interests include lymphoedema prevention and head, neck, and breast cancer rehabilitation.
Shannon’s passion for cancer care is deeply personal — watching rehabilitation transform her Nanna Lois’s cancer experience showed her firsthand how powerful supportive care can be. She feels privileged to help people rebuild fitness, strength, and confidence throughout their cancer journey, and finds equal reward in empowering those living with lymphoedema and lipoedema to self-manage long term.
Born and raised in Auckland, Shannon has since lived in Rarotonga, the UK, and rural Australia, before settling in Canterbury with her partner and three young children. Outside the clinic she enjoys running, cycling, snowboarding, hiking, pottery, and tending to her rose garden. If she were an animal, she’d be a lion — bold, warm, protective, and unafraid to speak up.
Make an appointment today!
To make an appointment with one of our Cancer Rehabilitation Physiotherapists, please give us a call.