Cancer Rehabilitation and Lymphedema Services

Individuals with cancer may experience a decline in the ability to perform normal daily activities, work or exercise.

Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute offers comprehensive cancer rehabilitation and lymphedema services in partnership with Allina’s Virginia Piper Cancer Institute. We have earned a reputation for providing expert and specialized care for patients throughout their cancer journey and coordinating that care among our patient’s health care team.

Team approach

Our cancer rehabilitation program includes a physiatrist (a doctor who specializes in physical medicine and rehabilitation) and a nurse practitioner specializing in cancer care. They work closely with a patient’s cancer treatment team.

Treatment options

Rehabilitation is tailored to each individual patient depending on the physical impacts from his or her cancer treatment (surgery, radiation, chemotherapy). Other medical conditions specific to cancer patients, such as swelling (lymphedema), fatigue, skin problems, pain, joint stiffness, weakness, paralysis, balance problems and swallowing problems, also are assessed. Diagnostic tests, including X-rays, scans and other consultations are ordered as needed.

A rehabilitation program is designed with the patient’s condition, needs and goals in mind and may include:

• consultation with physician or nurse practitioner who specializes in cancer rehabilitation and lymphedema  
• lymphedema management by certified lymphedema therapists
• physical therapy
• occupational therapy
• speech and language therapy
• myofascial therapy
• balance therapy
• equipment or special garments
• therapies provided by our Brain Injury Clinic

Exercise has been shown to have positive physical and psychological benefits for cancer patients. Therapy and exercise is tailored to each phase of cancer treatment.

Collaborative, patient-focused approach

Fighting cancer is difficult enough, so we aim to make your rehabilitation care as smooth as possible.

• A cancer rehabilitation nurse care coordinator is provided by Virginia Piper Cancer Institute to help patients coordinate care between their oncology providers and rehabilitation providers.
• A Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute physician and nurse practitioner provide cancer rehabilitation appointments at Virginia Piper Cancer Clinic, Piper Breast Center and Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Associates outpatient clinics in Minneapolis and St. Paul.
• Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute has teamed up with Virginia Piper Cancer Institute to create rehabilitation programs specific to the type of cancer or side effects a patient may have or experience, including swallow/dysphagia treatment (including Vital StimŪ) for patients with head and neck cancer, lymphedema and myofascial therapy for patients with breast cancer and brain injury therapies for patients with brain or spine tumors.
• Therapy services are often provided in conjunction with Abbott Northwestern Hospital’s Penny George Institute for Health and Healing and the LiveWell Fitness Center to provide the best of integrative health care along with standard cancer rehabilitation.
• The Institute’s providers may refer to other resources, such as psychology service and support groups.

Contact information

For an appointment with our cancer rehabilitation physician or nurse practitioner, call 612-863-8947. Inpatient and outpatient consultations are available.

Related Links

Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Associates

Virginia Piper Cancer Institute

Piper Breast Center

One patient's story

Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute
800 E. 28th St.
Minneapolis, MN 55407
612-863-4200 or toll free 866-880-3550
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