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.