Mary Washington Cancer Center Brings New Oncology Rehabilitation to Fredericksburg Area

“Patients who have received rigorous cancer care, including surgical resection, chemotherapy and/or radiation, are often left with side effects and symptoms from these treatments," James Daniel, MD, the regional cancer center’s medical director, said.  "By offering physical therapy, dietary consultations, exercise plans and more following a coordinated plan we are able to help restore patients' strength and sense of well being.” 

To receive its certification, the Regional Cancer Center partnered with Mary Washington Healthcare Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Services to  implement the STAR program’s evidence-based standardized model of oncology rehabilitation.  Each clinician received 20 hours of rehabilitation training. The services provided are covered by health insurance providers and will be offered to patients by medical staff specially trained to work with survivors of all forms of cancer. 

Specialty caregivers from a pool of disciplines – including physicians, physical and occupational therapists, speech pathologists, dietitians, and mental health professionals – will work with each patient on a personalized rehabilitation plan to increase strength and energy, alleviate pain, and improve daily function and quality of life, Daniel said. 

“We’re excited to bring this much-needed new service to this area, Devashish Sen, MD, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, said. "Each patient is an individual, and our approach to cancer rehab will be highly personalized," he said. "We will strive to help patients improve mobility and function, ease their pain, and integrate them back into their family and community – whether they have experienced mild, moderate or severe effects from cancer or cancer treatment,” he said.

STAR Program certification from Oncology Rehab Partners provides hospitals and cancer centers with the tools needed to quickly and effectively implement an exceptional survivorship care plan.  STAR Program services are available at Rehabilitation Services of Fredericksburg and Rehabilitation Services of Stafford.

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