Gynecological Cancers

Gynecological Cancer Rehabilitation

Donna Sarna Physiotherapy can play an important role in rehabilitation for women whom have undergone treatment for gynecological cancers including uterine, endometrial, ovarian, and cervical. Pain in the abdomen, back, pelvis and hips can occur for a variety of reasons and is often associated with adhesions and scarring that develops around the incision as a result of the surgery and/or radiation. It can also be a result of irritation to nerves in the pelvis, which may be entrapped by scar tissue or potentially cut during surgery. Posture is often altered as we guard areas that are restricted and painful. Symptoms vary between individuals based on many factors (ie. location of cancer, type of surgery, radiation).

What Symptoms Can We Treat?

Pelvic floor pain and tension

Discomfort with vaginal assessments

Pain with intercourse/obstructed intercourse

Urinary and fecal incontinence

Urinary retention

Urinary frequency

Constipation

Low back/sacroiliac/hip pain

Decreased range of motion in low back and hips

Decreased core strength

How Can Donna Sarna Physiotherapy Help?

At Donna Sarna Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation, a pelvic assessment is a two-part process. The first appointment will include a detailed history and external evaluation. The physiotherapist will examine posture, movement, and the muscles, fascia and nerves, focusing on the low back, hips, pelvis and abdomen. The second appointment will include the internal examination, which includes evaluation of the vagina (and possibly the anus), perineal body, skin, and connective tissue in the genital and surrounding area. The pelvic floor muscles are tested for muscle tone or tightness, strength, endurance, trigger points, and tissue integrity. Position of the pelvic organs and integrity of their supporting ligaments are also evaluated. You are always welcome to have a trusted individual present during assessment or treatment.

An individualized treatment program will be developed based on assessment findings and may include education regarding posture, insertion techniques (dilators), perineum care, relaxation exercises, myofascial release, manual therapy/mobilization, visceral manipulation, biofeedback, and an individualized home exercise program to release and/or strengthen as appropriate.