Physical Therapy

Rachel Douglas, PT, MPT, CLT, APTA

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.

Rachel graduated from Mount Saint Mary’s College in 1996 with a Master’s degree in Physical Therapy. She has gained experience in a variety of settings including acute and orthopedic rehabilitation, hand therapy, and pelvic floor rehabilitation.

In 2001, she became a certified lymphedema therapist and since that time has focused on working with oncology patients. In recent years she has traveled overseas with a health volunteer organization to work in third world country hospitals.

Rachel finds fulfillment working at Fred Hutch as part of a holistic medical team. Her patients inspire her daily with their motivation and strength while making positive changes in their physical health.

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.

Clinical expertise

Lymphedema
Stem cell transplant
Oncology rehabilitation

Stem cell A cell from which other types of cells develop. For example, blood cells develop from blood-forming stem cells.

Education and training

BS: University of Puget Sound
MPT: Mount Saint Mary's College

More information

Board certified by Academy of Lymphatic Studies

Contact

Fred Hutch Physical Therapy

phone (206) 606-6373

Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 am–5 pm

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