Carol Baltaxe, PT, MPT, CLT

To schedule a physical therapy appointment, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center patients need to be referred by a Fred Hutch physician, physician assistant or nurse practitioner. Patients who have secondary lymphedema can be seen at the Fred Hutch clinic by one of our physical therapists specializing in oncology.

Carol Baltaxe stands smiling for a portrait on the Fred Hutch campus.

Carol became interested in oncology physical therapy after helping her mom through cancer treatment and believes that rehabilitation care is a critical component of cancer care. She is passionate about getting to know her patients individually and empowering them to be as active as possible during their cancer journey.  
 
Outside of work, Carol is an avid gardener and is always trying to expand her small urban farm. She also enjoys yoga, mountain biking, skiing and hiking with her husband and daughter, and exploring places in their campervan.

Patient care philosophy

Carol believes in partnering with her patients to help them meet their rehabilitation goals and minimize side effects of cancer treatment. She strives to provide skilled, compassionate care based on evidence-based research.

Side effects A problem that occurs when treatment affects healthy tissues or organs. Some side effects of cancer treatment are nausea, vomiting, fatigue, pain, decreased blood cell counts, hair loss and mouth sores.
Clinical experience

Carol started working as a physical therapist at Fred Hutch in 2010. Prior to that, she helped co-found the lymphedema program at the VA Puget Sound Health Care System. She also has experience working in acute care, inpatient rehab and home health. She obtained her yoga teacher certification in 2016 and regularly incorporates this into her practice with patients. 

Lymphedema A condition in which extra lymph fluid builds up in tissues and causes swelling. It may occur in an arm or leg if lymph vessels are blocked, damaged or removed by surgery.
Education and training
  • BA Hamilton College
  • MPT University of Washington

Contact

Fred Hutch Physical Therapy
phone (206) 606-6373
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 am–5 pm