Physical Therapists
People of any age who are diagnosed with cancer can maximize strength and function during and after cancer treatment. Patients undergoing cancer treatment may experience one or more of the following side effects:
- Decreased muscle strength
- Decreased bone density
- Peripheral neuropathy related to chemotherapy
- Fatigue
- Lymphedema or swelling disorders
- Incontinence
- Difficulty walking
Our physical therapists can help address these and other issues through education and exercise. Each physical therapist works closely with the General Oncology and pediatric and adult Transplant medical teams to provide appropriate rehabilitation services to increase function and independence, both during and after cancer treatment. Children six years and older and all adult patients with any type of cancer diagnosis can receive treatment at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance’s Physical Therapy Department.
Some patients may already have strength loss due to other concurrent disease such as diabetes or heart disease or due to prior cancer treatments initiated before beginning treatment at the SCCA. Improving and maintaining strength during cancer treatments helps to prevent or reduce the risk of complications, such as infection, as well as to enhance quality of life. Physical therapy helps patients and their caregivers regain a sense of hope and control over their health by teaching proper and safe exercise to rebuild function, endurance, and muscle and bone strength.
Who can benefit from physical therapy?
Physical Therapists
Lexi Harlow, DPT, CLT, graduated from the University of Puget Sound with her Doctorate's degree in physical therapy in 2005 and runs the physical therapy department at the SCCA. She is certified in lymphedema management, is licensed by the State of Washington and is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) and the Oncology Section of the APTA.
Rachel Douglas, MPT, CLT, received her Master’s degree in physical therapy from Mount Saint Mary’s College in Los Angeles in 1996. She currently works part-time in our clinic, is certified in lymphedema management, and specializes in urinary incontinence treatment and prevention. Rachel is licensed by the State of Washington.
Andréa Leiserowitz, MPT, CLT, received her Master’s degree from the University of Michigan-Flint in 1996. She developed the physical therapy clinic at the SCCA in 2003 and currently works per diem. Andréa is certified in lymphedema management, licensed by the State of Washington, and is a member of both the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) and the Oncology and Hospice and Palliative Care Sections of the APTA.
Shawn Israel, DPT received her Doctorate’s degree from the University of Washington in 2008. Shawn works full-time in our clinic, is licensed by the State of Washington, and is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) and the Oncology & Pediatric Sections of the APTA.
Sue Frohreich, MPT, CLT, LANA is the newest member of the SCCA Physical Therapy team, and received her Master’s degree from University of CA at San Francisco/San Francisco State University in 1996. Sue works full time in our clinic, is certified in lymphedema management, and is a certified ergonomic evaluation specialist (CEES). She is licensed by the State of Washington and is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) and the Oncology Section of the APTA.
SCCA Physical Therapy Services
We provide individualized physical assessment and treatment plans for the following:
- Weakness secondary to disease or cancer treatment or muscle atrophy
- Fatigue/decreased endurance
- Impaired balance
- Peripheral neuropathy - numbness/tingling/decreased balance or walking
- Osteoporosis/Osteopenia
- Scar tissue management after surgery
- Lymphedema risk reduction/management
- Limited flexibility/range of motion
- Pain management
- Rehabilitation equipment/assistive device needs (cane, walker, etc.)
To schedule physical therapy, SCCA patients must be referred by a physician, physician assistant or nurse practitioner.
SCCA Physical Therapy Services Location and Hours
Seattle Cancer Care Alliance
Physical Therapy Department
825 Eastlake Avenue East, G4-960
PO Box 19023
Seattle, Washington 98109-1023
Office Location: 4th Floor
Office hours: 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM (PST)
Monday – Friday
Phone: (206) 288-6373
Fax: (206) 288-2224