Post-Operative Rehabilitation

What Makes Our Service Unique

Extensive experience with rehabilitation after cancer-related (oncology), orthopaedic, neurological, general, cardiac and reconstructive surgeries
One-on-one appointments with the same clinician for care consistency
Direct communication with your treating therapist for advice and support between in-clinic appointments
Graded progression tailored to surgeon-specific post-operative protocols and healing stages
Access to modern technology to enhance post-operative recovery

Who Can We Support?

Cancer treatment-related surgery e.g. mastectomy, lumpectomy, reconstruction, sentinel lymph node biopsy, lymph node dissection/clearance (axillary/inguinal/cervical)
Orthopaedic surgery e.g. partial/total joint replacement, ORIF, soft tissue repair, arthroscopy, multi-trauma
Spinal surgery e.g. discectomy, laminectomy, decompression, spinal fusion (ALIF, OLIF, PLIF, TLIF and XLIF), vertebroplasty, disc replacement
General surgery e.g. abdominal procedures, hernia repair, transplant
Cardiac surgery e.g. CABG, TAVI, MVR
Plastic and reconstructive surgery e.g. abdominoplasty, reconstruction, burns, skin grafts, microsurgery

How to Access Post-Operative Rehabilitation at Hunter Rehab Hub

Contact Our Team

Support Recovery. Regain Function. Live with Confidence.

Location

20 Kemp Street, Wallsend NSW 2287
(Newcastle)

Contact Us

0480 604 578
hello@hunterrehabhub.com.au

Opening Hours

By appointment only

What is Cancer Rehabilitation?

Cancer rehabilitation is a comprehensive, conservative management approach that supports individuals who are undergoing or recovering from cancer treatment. The aim of a cancer rehabilitation program is to optimise the health and wellbeing of cancer patients by reducing the impact of treatment related side effects on strength, endurance, function, mobility and quality of life.

It is recommended that those who have received a cancer diagnosis, commence a cancer rehabilitation program prior to receiving treatment (prehabilitation) and continue their program both during and after treatment as well as for long-term survivorship. Early rehabilitation and intervention can help reduce the risk and severity of developing cancer treatment related side effects as well as limit their potential progression in becoming chronic, debilitating issues.

Cancer Treatment and Potential Side Effects

There are multiple treatment approaches for cancer, many of which involve a combination of therapies to provide the most effective treatment and are dependent on diagnosis. The main types of cancer treatment are:

Surgery
Radiation therapy
Chemotherapy
Immunotherapy
Hormone therapy
Targeted therapy

Many people with cancer experience side effects caused by the cancer itself and/or cancer treatment. The types and severity of side effects experienced will depend on the type of treatment received and can vary from person to person. Side effects can be physical and/or emotional and can significantly impact an individuals’ quality of life.

Some of the more common cancer treatment related side effects include:

Pain
Lymphoedema
Post-operative scar tissue formation
Axillary web syndrome (cording)
Radiation dermatitis
Radiation-induced fibrosis
Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy
Hand-foot syndrome
Fatigue
General deconditioning/muscular weakness
Postural changes
Reduced joint range of motion (ROM)
Altered gait and mobility
Oral mucositis
Trismus
Swallowing difficulties
Speech difficulties

Hunter Rehab Hub's Cancer Rehabilitation Program

At Hunter Rehab Hub, we offer a comprehensive range of services to holistically address the unique challenges faced by individuals undergoing or recovering from cancer treatment.

Here’s how we can help…

Education and Advice – The foundation of cancer rehabilitation. Education and advice help to empower patients with the knowledge and confidence they need to actively participate in their recovery. By understanding their diagnosis, potential side effects, treatment options and self-management strategies, patients can make informed decisions and adopt behaviors that support their physical and emotional health.
Exercise Prescription and Rehabilitation – Exercise is a cornerstone of cancer rehabilitation, playing a critical role in improving physical function, reducing treatment related side effects and enhancing overall quality of life. Individualised exercise programs can help patients manage fatigue, improve cardiovascular fitness, preserve muscle strength, restore mobility, address postural changes, stimulate lymphatic flow and support mental health.
Manual Therapy – When incorporated into a comprehensive rehabilitation plan, hands-on treatment can assist in relieving pain, improving mobility and restoring function. Techniques such as soft tissue massage, joint mobilisation and manual lymphatic drainage can help manage common side effects of cancer treatment such as musculoskeletal issues, pain, scar tissue formation and lymphoedema. Manual therapy can also contribute to improved emotional wellbeing by improving physical comfort, reducing tension and promoting relaxation.
Compression Therapy – A mainstay for managing lymphoedema, a common side effect of cancer treatment plans that involve surgically removing lymph nodes and/or radiation therapy. By applying controlled pressure through compression garments, bandaging systems and pneumatic devices, compression therapy helps reduce swelling, improve lymphatic and venous return and prevent fluid build-up in the affected areas. Compression therapy not only alleviates discomfort and minimises the risk of infection but also supports improved mobility and daily function.
MLS Laser Therapy – A non-invasive, pain-free treatment modality delivering light-based (photobiomodulation) therapy, used in combination with a comprehensive rehabilitation plan, to help reduce inflammation, relieve pain, promote wound healing and repair soft tissue damage.
Emotional Support and Health Service On-Referral – Addressing the psychological and emotional challenges that often accompany a cancer diagnosis and its treatment is imperative. Feelings of fear, anxiety, depression and uncertainty are common, and without adequate support, they can negatively impact recovery and quality of life. Whilst our clinicians can provide a foundational level of emotional support and understanding of your personal circumstances, they are also well equipped to make recommendations where inclusion of other health services may be beneficial.