Cancer Rehab
Dr. Jasia is a trained and Certified Lymphedema Therapist through the Academy of Lymphatic Studies. She has many years of oncology experienced and began her career in the Outpatient Rehab Department of MD Anderson Cancer Center. During her time there, she founded and developed the Pelvic Health Rehabilitation Program, helping women with breast, GI, and pelvic organ cancers.
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As a licensed Physical Therapist and Breast Cancer Survivor, Dr. Jasia is able to uniquely combine the knowledge and skills of her specialized training in Cancer Rehab, Women's Health/Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy, and Complete Decongestive Therapy with her personal experience as a patient, survivor, and thriver.
Stand like an Oak
An Aspen
An Alder
It's in you, don't falter
And if so then I got you
Fake it, walk taller
Anything that makes you feel smaller
Leave 'em by the angels of the water
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Push 'em up push 'em up
Put away your cares
Fold them, fold them
Fold up your fears
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He said come to this river
Give me your arms
Lean back
There's nothing to be alarmed of
He said the more I know
The more I dig
And the more I return to myself
Around every bend
Push 'em up push 'em up
Put away your cares
Fold them, fold them
Fold up your fears
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Leave 'em by the angels of the waters...
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Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
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Bowel & Bladder Dysfunction
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Weakness and Deconditioning
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Scar Tissue and Radiation Fibrosis
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Muscle, Joint, and Nerve Pain
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Loss of Range of Motion
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Poor Balance
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Decreased Mobility
Breast Cancer
Mastectomy, reconstruction, and radiation effect the soft and connective tissues of not only the chest, but the shoulder, neck, back, trunk, abdomen, and even the pelvis! Following lymph node removal a condition known as Axillary Webbing Syndrome or "cording" can be present. Many women following breast cancer surgery and treatments struggle with pain and limited shoulder function, which can be treated by Physical Therapy!
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Commonly prescribed medications such as Arimidex and Tamoxifen often have negative effects on the structures and tissues of the pelvic floor. This may include dryness, atrophy and frail tissues, painful intercourse, pelvic organ prolapse, bladder and bowel dysfunction, and increased incidence of UTI and/or yeast infections. We can help!
Post-Breast Surgery
Physical Therapy Evaluation, Treatment, Education & Home Program​
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Assessment of
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Posture and shoulder range of motion
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Scar tissue and swelling
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Breathing patterns and core stability
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Strength and functional movement patterns
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Dr. Jasia will demonstrate and teach to you therapeutic exercises to improve postural, strength, and range of motion impairments that are common following surgery - whether you've had mastectomy, lumpectomy, reconstruction, or augmentation.
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If drains are still present, modified exercises will also be provided so you may begin rehabilitation immediately (recommended) while adhering to movement restrictions and drain care.
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Brief lymphedema/general education will be provided and discussed for the purposes of awareness and prevention.
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Your home program will also include scar-tissue management to be performed after complete healing of the surgical site(s).
GI &
Pelvic Organ Cancers
Cancer treatment of the abdominal and pelvic organs effect not only the area treated, but the areas surrounding them as well. GI dysfunction such as constipation or irritable bowel can persist following surgery and radiation, but these effects are treatable and management by Physical Therapy! It is within the physical therapist's scope of practice to discuss nutrition and refer to a registered dietitian as needed throughout the course of your cancer and survivorship journey.
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Radiation impacts the soft and connective tissues of the abdomen and pelvis by slowly increasing tightness over time. Physical Therapy can show you how to mitigate this effect by appropriately introducing stretching, self massage, breathwork, exercise, and a dilator program to help prevent pain and loss of function.