Fauquier Health Outpatient Rehabilitation Services is pleased to announce a new service

Physical Therapy Treatment

for the Patient with

Breast Cancer

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. In 2011, 261,900 females will be diagnosed with breast cancer, and currently there are approximately 2.3 million breast cancer survivors in the US. Of the 261,900 diagnosed with breast cancer next year, 261,200 should have physical therapy.

Success of cancer care is no longer measured by just the eradication of the disease progression. Today, success also includes the return to pre-diagnosis activity and comfort levels. Quality cancer care requires a comprehensive approach which also includes rehabilitation. Physical therapists, who have trained in cancer rehabilitation and are members of the medical oncology team, are the specialists who can provide treatment for common musculoskeletal and cardiovascular problems that occur after cancer treatment.


Seventy to ninety percent of patients will have one or more of these common physical problems after cancer treatment:

· Pain
· Swelling
· Decreased range of motion
· Cording
· Strength loss
· Soft tissue tightness
· Soft tissue restrictions
· Risk for infection and lymphedema
· Fatigue
· Bone loss
· Muscle loss
· Neuropathy
· Weight gain
· Postural changes
· Loss of normal function


Rehabilitation by a physical therapist can eliminate, reduce, or prevent every one of these issues except neuropathy. Physical therapists in cancer rehabilitation provide treatment from a musculoskeletal perspective throughout the cancer treatment continuum so patients can achieve their full functional level.


Who should have cancer rehabilitation?

· People who have had or will have surgery
· People who have had or will have chemotherapy
· People who have had or will have radiation.


In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Fauquier Health Outpatient Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation is pleased to announce a new service provided to our community: Physical Therapy for the Patient with Breast Cancer.


Our cancer rehabilitation team consisting of physical therapists, Joan Wolf, PT and Kristen Pierce, PT, DPT, have recently received specialized training in the physical therapy treatment of the patient with breast cancer. Their specialized training will provide interventions to help eliminate pain, restore joint mobility, restore/maximize tissue flexibility, restore strength, restore activities of daily living, vocational, and recreational activity, and provide education for patients having breast cancer treatment. Treatment is always individualized based on the physical therapy exam and the patient’s goals.


If you have a question for our cancer rehabilitation team, please call 540-316-2680 or click on the button below to submit an inquiry via email.

The Fauquier Health Rehabilitation Team participated in the Pink Hair for Hope event at Warrenton's Salon Emage.

October is National Physical Therapy Month

October is National Physical Therapy Month

In recognition of National Physical Therapy Month, the American Physical Therapy Association is promoting making a commitment to physical activity so children and adults can combat and prevent obesity and its consequences.

The APTA has released the following ideas for fun ways for families to become active:

“Smart Moves” for Families

●Plan weekend family activities involving physical activity, such as hiking, swimming, bicycling, mini-golf, tennis, or bowling.

●Help your child plan physical activities with friends and neighbors, such as skating or softball.

●Have your kids brainstorm a “rainy day” game plan of indoor activities involving fitness games such as Wii Fit or Dance Dance Revolution.

●Remember that your family does not need to join a health club or buy fancy equipment to be active. Walking isn’t costly and it’s easy. So is designing a backyard obstacle course. Weights can be made from soda or detergent bottles filled with sand or water!

●Provide positive rewards for your child when he or she engages in physical activities, such as workout clothes, a new basketball, or an evening of roller-skating.

●Provide positive feedback about your child's lifestyle changes. Remember not to focus on the scale (for you or your child).

●Be your child's "exercise buddy." Plan daily walks or bike rides and set goals together for increasing physical activity rather than for losing weight. It’s also great “bonding” time!

●As you schedule your child's extracurricular activities, remember to plan time for exercise and activity as a priority for the entire family. Don't just "squeeze it in."

●Encourage children to try individualized sports such as tennis and swimming. Studies show such activities are the basis of lifelong fitness habits.

●Parents and children can do exercises while watching television (or at least during commercials), such as sit-ups, push-ups or running in place. Discourage snacking or eating meals while watching.

Source: American Physical Therapy Association

At Fauquier Hospital Outpatient Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation we have highly skilled, experienced clinicians who have a multitude of certifications to improve your quality of life. We have several specialized physical therapy programs that provide treatment of Pediatric, Women’s Health, Spine, Sports Therapy, Occupational Injuries, Orthopedic and Neurological conditions. We can offer you a specialized examination and treatment in these areas of expertise.

Talk to our physical therapists today and make a plan to get moving!
Do you have a question for your physical therapist? We have an answer. Please click the button below to submit your question or call us at 540-316-2680.