Virginia Callais
Owner
Geaux Fight Physical Therapy
What is oncology physical therapy, and how is it different from regular physical therapy?
Oncology physical therapy is a specialized branch of rehabilitation for people diagnosed with cancer, delivered by therapists with advanced training in how cancer and its treatments affect the body. Unlike general PT, Geaux Fight is able to account for treatment side effects such as fatigue, nerve damage, bone health, lymphedema risk, and surgical changes — and adapts plans around chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery schedules. The goal is to keep patients as strong, mobile, and independent as possible throughout treatment, not just after it ends.
When during cancer treatment should someone start physical therapy?
As early as possible — ideally at diagnosis, before treatment begins. Prehabilitation helps build strength and resilience ahead of surgery or chemotherapy, which can improve recovery and reduce complications. That said, it’s never too late to start. Patients benefit from oncology rehab during active treatment, in survivorship, and even years later if new issues arise.
Can physical therapy help with lingering side effects like fatigue, neuropathy, or lymphedema?
Absolutely. Oncology rehabilitation can help manage cancer related fatigue, weakness, balance changes, chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy, scar and radiation-related restrictions, pain, and lymphedema. Some treatment effects may persist, but that doesn’t mean patients simply have to accept a loss of function. Our goal at Geaux Fight is to improve quality of life while the medical oncology team deals with quantity of life.
225.422.6395 | geauxfight.com
