Physical Therapy

Melissa Federhar, PT, DPT, CLT, ATC

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.

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. Nurse practitioner A registered nurse who has additional education and training in how to diagnose and treat disease. In cancer care, a nurse practitioner may manage the primary care of patients and their families. A registered nurse who has additional education and training in how to diagnose and treat disease. Nurse practitioners are licensed at the state level and certified by national nursing organizations. In cancer care, a nurse practitioner may manage the primary care of patients and their families, based on a practice agreement with a physician. Physician assistant A health professional who is licensed to do certain medical procedures under the guidance of a physician. A health professional who is licensed to do certain medical procedures under the guidance of a physician. A physician assistant may take medical histories, do physical exams, take blood and urine samples, care for wounds and give injections and immunizations.

Melissa specializes in working with lyphemdema patients and oncology rehabilitation. She came to Fred Hutch after working for 10 years at Swedish Medical Center in Seattle and Issaquah. When not in clinic, you can find Melissa experimenting with new recipes, staying active outdoors, traveling or chasing after her son. A native of Wisconsin, she and her husband enjoy supporting the Green Bay Packers throughout the football season.

Patient care philosophy

My practice provides patients with compassionate care focused on current best practice guidelines. This allows patients with the ability to make informed decisions regarding their rehabilitation plan. I have a strong desire to empower patients along their journey at Fred Hutch by identifying treatment strategies aligned to each individual’s goals.

Clinical expertise

Lymphedema
Orthopedics
Oncology rehabilitation

Education and training

BA in Athletic Training: Marquette University
DPT: Marquette University

More information

Doctorate of Physical Therapy
Certified Lymphedema Therapist, Klose Training and Consulting
Cancer Exercise Trainer, American College of Sports Medicine

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.

Contact

Fred Hutch Physical Therapy

phone (206) 606-6373

Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 am–5 pm

Back To: Physical Therapy