Cancer rehabilitation is a rehabilitation approach designed specifically for individuals who are preparing for, undergoing or recovering from cancer treatment, including surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy and/or hormone therapy. At our Newcastle clinic, Hunter Rehab Hub provides personalised rehabilitation programs with the aim of preparing the body for treatment and reducing the impact of cancer treatment-related side effects on strength, endurance, function, mobility and quality of life.

Yes, physiotherapy is strongly supported by research as an effective way to aid recovery after cancer treatment. It can help reduce pain, restore movement and strength, manage fatigue, and improve overall quality of life. It’s particularly beneficial for addressing treatment-related issues such as stiffness after surgery, weakness, reduced endurance, and conditions like lymphoedema.

At our Newcastle clinic, our physiotherapists develop individualised rehabilitation programs tailored to your diagnosis, treatment history, and goals—helping you safely return to desired daily activities, work, and exercise with confidence.

A cancer rehabilitation program can begin before treatment commences, during treatment or after it finishes. Early intervention often leads to better outcomes, especially for managing stiffness, weakness, and swelling.

Cancer rehabilitation can help manage many different symptoms associated with treatment including:

• Pain (post-surgical, joint, and muscle pain)
• Stiffness and reduced mobility (e.g. shoulder tightness after breast surgery)
• Muscle weakness and deconditioning
• Reduced balance and coordination
• Scar tightness or restricted movement
• Fatigue
• Swelling (common after lymph node removal or radiation)
• Peripheral neuropathy (tingling, numbness, or burning in hands/feet)
• Shortness of breath
• Reduced cardiovascular fitness

Lymphoedema is a chronic condition where the accumulation of excessive amounts of protein-rich fluid in the tissues results in swelling of one or more regions of the body. It occurs due to a damaged or compromised lymphatic system and usually affects the limb(s) although it may also involve the trunk, breast, head and neck or genital area.

There are many different potential causes of lymphoedema including:

• Cancer treatment – particularly surgery with lymph node removal and radiation therapy
• Malignancy – tumours can compress or invade lymph vessels/nodes
• Recurrent skin infections (cellulitis)
• Chronic inflammation
• Surgery
• Trauma
• Venous disease
• Immobility/dependency
• Congenital abnormalities

The gold-standard treatment approach for managing lymphoedema is Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT). CDT is a structured, multi-part program designed to reduce swelling and keep it under control long term. CDT has four key elements: skin care, exercise, manual lymphatic drainage and compression therapy. We deliver this program at our Newcastle clinic.

There is currently no cure for lymphoedema, but it can be effectively managed with CDT. Early intervention is key to limiting condition progression.

The early warning signs of lymphoedema include:

• Transient swelling of a limb or other region of the body that may be aggravated by heat, overuse, sustained positions, prolonged activity, and be more obvious by the end of the day
• Recurrent skin infections (cellulitis)
• Feelings of aching, heaviness, or stiffness in the affected body part
• Decreased range of movement in the affected body part
• Tightness of the affected body part – clothing, jewellery or shoes may feel tighter

Yes, we provide manual lymphatic drainage as part of our comprehensive lymphoedema treatment services at our Newcastle clinic.

Treatment can significantly reduce swelling and help maintain long-term control, especially with ongoing self-management.

Lipoedema is a chronic and often misunderstood adipose tissue disorder that predominantly affects women. It is characterised by symmetrical fat accumulation (usually in the legs but can also be in other areas of the body), pain, tenderness, easy bruising, and resistance to traditional weight-loss methods.

Lipoedema involves fat tissue changes, while lymphoedema is caused by fluid build-up. Some patients may experience both conditions, both of which require specialised treatment.

Yes, physiotherapy interventions like education, exercise prescription, compression therapy, manual therapies and nutrition support can help manage lipoedema symptoms and limit condition progression.

Our clinic provides specialty physiotherapy care for individuals who are undergoing or recovering from cancer treatment (cancer rehabilitation) and those managing lymphoedema and lipoedema (assessment, diagnosis and management). In addition to our specialised services, we also provide general musculoskeletal physiotherapy and post-operative rehabilitation. Please see our services page for more details.

Hunter Rehab Hub is a specialist physiotherapy clinic located in Wallsend (a 20 minute drive from Newcastle’s CBD), servicing Newcastle and the greater Hunter region.

Yes, we regularly see patients from the surrounding suburbs of Lake Macquarie, Maitland, across the Hunter Valley and Port Stephens.

You can book an appointment by contacting our clinic directly via phone, email or our website enquiry form, or through our online booking system.

Most private health funds will partially cover the cost of our physiotherapy services (depending on your level of coverage). If eligible, some individuals can be referred through their GP as part of a Chronic Condition Management Plan (CCMP) which provides 5 partially subsided physiotherapy visits per calendar year.

• If you are wanting to claim the Medicare rebate (5 x partially subsidised physiotherapy visits per calendar year), you will need to obtain a Chronic Condition Management Plan and associated referral from your GP
• Some DVA patients require a GP referral

Your first session includes a detailed assessment, discussion of your goals, and personalised treatment planning.

Your treating clinician will complete a thorough subjective assessment including discussion about symptoms and medical/surgical history, perform a comprehensive objective assessment including observation, palpation and condition specific special tests, provide education tailored to your presentation and develop a treatment plan.

As we are a private clinic, there are costs associated with assessment and treatment.

Payment options include:

• Private health fund insurance – rebates for physiotherapy extras vary depending on provider and level of cover
• Medicare rebate – if you are deemed eligible by your GP for a Chronic Condition Management Plan (CCMP), you can receive 5 x partially subsided physiotherapy visits per calendar year
• My Aged Care package
• DVA, NDIS, Workers Compensation and CTP – rates as per current pricing agreements
• Out-of-pocket payment (full-fee)
• Payment plans or purchase of a multiple session package (determined on a case-by-case basis)

Telehealth appointments and home visits are offered on a case-by-case basis for patients who are unable to access the clinic in-person. If you are wanting to book a telehealth appointment or home visit, please contact our team via phone call (0480 604 578) or email (hello@hunterrehabhub.com.au) to discuss your individual circumstances.

• Our clinic requires 12 hours notice of appointment cancellation
• Same day cancellation fees apply
• Failure to attend a scheduled appointment without notice will incur a 100% fee of the scheduled appointment cost