Physical Therapy

Rachel Trussell, PT, MPT, CLT, CWS

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 has been a Physical Therapist since 1999 and she has been with Fred Hutch since 2016. Prior to working in the oncology rehabilitation setting, she worked in acute care, acute rehabilitation and wound care. Rachel was drawn to oncology physical therapy after seeing family, friends and patients struggles with cancer. She also had a growing interest in lymphedema from working with the wound care population leading to gaining her lymphedema specialty certification in 2016.

She values the connections she is able to make with patients while individualizing plans to meet their goals and needs. She is inspired by the patients she meets and finds it a privilege to be involved in this meaningful work.

When she is not at work, she enjoys spending time with her husband, son and extended family, being outside hiking and walking, visiting friends, trying new recipes, and reading.

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.

Patient care philosophy

My goal is to work together with the patient to identify their needs and establish goals. I view physical therapy as a partnership and adjust treatments as needed. I strive to provide compassionate care and to make physical therapy a positive experience.

Clinical expertise

Lymphedema
Wound care

Education and training

BS: Pacific Lutheran University
MSPT: Pacific University
Certified Lymphedema Therapist through Klose Training
Certified Wound Specialist

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