Cancer & Lymphedema Rehab
Helping patients stay strong, mobile, and supported during and after cancer treatment.
What We Treat
- Range of motion and strength loss after surgery or radiation
- Cancer-related fatigue
- Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy
- Upper and lower extremity lymphedema
- Balance issues and fall risk
- Post-mastectomy syndrome
- Axillary cording
- Trismus and cervical dystonia (related to head/neck cancers)
Interested in learning more? Let’s talk.
What to Expect
- We begin with a full physical therapy assessment — looking at strength, mobility, swelling, pain, and your medical history.
- Personalized treatment plans may include manual lymph drainage, compression management, therapeutic exercise, fatigue strategies, and education — all tailored to your needs and treatment phase.
- Treatment in a comfortable, private office setting.
- Collaboration with your care team. Katrina works closely with referring oncologists, surgeons, and other providers to make sure your rehab supports your overall care plan.
Dr. Katrina Pizzichetta, PT, CLT
Katrina brings advanced clinical training from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center to her work at Resolve Physical Therapy. She provides one-on-one care for individuals experiencing cancer-related side effects, physical decline, or lymphedema. Her goal is to help you regain strength, reduce swelling, and improve daily function — safely and confidently.
What Does an Oncology Physical Therapist Do?
When people hear “physical therapy,” they often think of sports injuries or joint replacements. But physical therapy also plays a powerful role in cancer care.
As an oncology physical therapist, I work with individuals before, during, and after cancer treatment to help them move better, feel stronger, and maintain independence. Cancer and its treatments can affect nearly every system in the body — muscles, nerves, heart, lungs, bones, and the lymphatic system. My role is to help manage these side effects and restore quality of life.
When Can Oncology Physical Therapy Help?
Physical therapy can be helpful at any stage of the cancer journey, including:
- Before treatment (prehabilitation) to build strength and endurance
- During treatment to manage side effects and prevent deconditioning
- After treatment to rebuild function and address long-term changes
- In advanced or metastatic disease to maintain mobility, comfort, and safety
Conditions and Side Effects I Help Treat
Neuropathy
Some chemotherapy drugs cause numbness, tingling, or burning in the hands and feet. Physical therapy can help improve balance, coordination, and safety when sensation is reduced.
Lymphedema and Swelling
Cancer treatment can disrupt the lymphatic system, leading to swelling — often in the arms, legs, chest, or neck. I provide lymphedema management, including manual lymphatic drainage, compression guidance, and exercises to reduce swelling and discomfort.
Pain
Pain may come from surgery, scar tissue, radiation effects, or musculoskeletal strain from altered movement patterns. Physical therapy uses gentle mobility work, strengthening, posture training, and pain-relief techniques to improve comfort.
Scar Tissue and Radiation Tightness
Surgery and radiation can cause tissue tightness and restricted movement. Targeted stretching, soft tissue work, and mobility exercises help restore motion and decrease discomfort.
Fatigue, Weakness, and Deconditioning
Cancer-related fatigue is different from normal tiredness. Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and prolonged rest can lead to muscle loss and reduced endurance. Intentional, gentle exercise is one of the most effective treatments to improve energy levels and endurance.
Balance Problems and Fall Risk
Neuropathy, weakness, or certain medications and chemotherapies can affect balance. Therapy includes balance training, gait work, and home safety strategies to reduce fall risk.
Breathing Difficulties
Lung surgery, radiation, or general deconditioning can make breathing feel harder. I teach breathing exercises and endurance training to improve lung capacity and activity tolerance.
Bone Health and Safety with Metastases
When cancer affects the bones, certain movements and exercises must be modified for safety. I provide guidance on safe mobility, posture, and strengthening to protect vulnerable areas while maintaining activity.
Every program is tailored to the individual, their diagnosis, treatment plan, and personal goals. If you would like to discuss how I can help you further, please give the office a call. I would be happy to talk to you about how physical therapy can help you feel your best.