Rehabilitation services for patients in the Cancer Center
Physical activity and maintaining functional independence is important throughout the cancer treatment spectrum. Physical activity has been associated with reduced risk of developing some types of cancer, and has been shown to help patients maintain wellness during and after cancer treatment. Research has also shown that maintaining physical function is a key component to the health and quality of life of people going through cancer treatment.
Being diagnosed with cancer is a time of change, with many people seeking opportunities for improved health and well-being which can include continuing to be physically active, starting new health habits, or maintaining physical and cognitive function needed for daily tasks. Unfortunately, many of the common side effects of cancer or its treatment can be barriers to reaching those goals. These barriers can be overcome with the help of a licensed physical, occupational, and/or speech therapist.
We have brought together experts in their field to provide you with individualized and evidence-based therapies to get you back to the activities you love. Our compassionate rehabilitation team will be there for you throughout your cancer journey and help you achieve your goals.
Getting started with oncology rehabilitation
A physician referral is required for the initial evaluation. Please call 541-706-6335 with any questions about how therapy can help you. To schedule an appointment, call 541-706-5800, ext. 3265. Plan on arriving 15 minutes early for registration with your prescription for therapy, current insurance card, current list of medications and your questions.
Rehabilitation services are currently available in our outpatient clinic in Bend.
The physical therapists at the St. Charles Cancer Center have specialized knowledge of cancer diseases and treatments to customize a program to get you back to better mobility.
Physical therapy focuses on regaining skills to help you move better, whether that is getting you back to walking so that you can do your own grocery shopping or back to your exercise routine so you can train for that next triathlon. Our physical therapists have an intimate knowledge of cancer disease and treatments to customize a program to meet your goals.
Our physical therapy team can help with:
Physical performance-based assessments of physical function and fitness
Body composition assessments - initial onset and recurrence of some cancers have been linked to excess body fat
Strength training to help with fatigue and to help prevent bone loss
Aerobic exercise training to help manage fatigue and decrease body fat
Lymphedema risk reduction education
Post-surgical and post-radiation scar management to reduce pain and improve joint mobility
Balance training and fall risk reduction education
Management of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy symptoms
Our physical therapists at the St. Charles Cancer Center can help ease your lymphedema discomfort.
What is lymphedema?
Lymphedema is a troubling complication that can develop after certain cancers or its treatment. It is characterized by swelling of the arm, leg, pelvic region, or head and neck that develops when surgery or radiation treatments affect the mechanics of the lymphatic system. The swelling experienced by a patient with lymphedema can result in discomfort, loss of range of motion, difficulty walking and difficulty with daily activities. The affected areas are also at risk for infection that can lead to serious complications. The risk for developing lymphedema is lifelong and if lymphedema develops it can be a chronic condition greatly impacting a patient’s physical and psychosocial health.
How can therapy help with lymphedema discomfort?
Lymphedema therapy aims to decrease the impact and severity of lymphedema through early intervention and patient education. Improving and controlling lymphedema utilizes a combination of manual lymphatic drainage techniques along with compression bandages and/or compression devices. Patient education and training in self-care is critical to success and transitioning the patient to independent management of their lymphedema after the initial intensive phase of treatment. A certified lymphedema therapist can best manage this complex condition and uses the following principals:
Education
Exercise
Manual lymph drainage (MLD)
Compression bandaging
Compression garments
Self-lymphedema management
Soft tissue mobilization
Our physical therapists at the St. Charles Cancer Center can help ease your lymphedema discomfort.
Occupational therapy for patients undergoing cancer treatment
Occupational therapists help with education and training needs for improved ability to do the things you want and need to do by maximizing your independence, safety and quality of life. Intervention methods can be directed to improving function, compensating for loss of skills, adaptation of tasks and environments, and or prevention of further loss with the focus on the patients strengths, goals and support systems.
Occupational therapists are holistic and systematic in their approach to assist patients and families in collaboration with our team of health care providers in the following areas:
Speech therapists help patients in our Cancer Center with swallowing and communication impairments.
Speech-language pathology focuses on swallowing and communication impairments. These impairments can impact people who are being treated for various types of cancer. People who are treated for head and neck cancer may experience negative effects to the ability to chew, swallow, speak, and make a voice. When undergoing chemotherapy, temporary to long-term changes in the ability to think clearly, sometimes referred to as “chemo brain” can be experienced. Treatments for malignancies in the brain can impact swallowing, thinking and communication. Our speech therapists work together with our physical therapy and occupational therapy team to mobilize scar tissue and strengthen the muscles for safe swallowing. In addition, our speech therapists can provide language and cognitive retraining, and help patients use communication devices and organizational tools. Our speech therapy team can help with:
Patient and family education
Swallowing, communication, and cognitive assessments
Prophylactic and restorative swallowing exercises
Dietary modification recommendations
Speech therapy
Voice therapy
Laryngectomy care including tracheoesophageal prosthesis management: These are services for people before and after surgical removals of part or all of the larynx (“voice box”).
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC): This includes devices like voice amplifiers and tablets the can be programmed to speak.
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Integrative Therapies
The Integrative Oncology Program combines conventional medicine with evidence-based complementary therapies to support the health and healing of the whole person. We offer acupuncture, massage and Reiki to help manage symptoms associated with cancer treatment by calming the mind and relaxing the body. These treatments are shown to improve quality of life by lessening the side effects of conventional treatments and providing psychological and physical benefits to the patient. Integrative therapies are offered at no charge to patients in active cancer treatment.
These services are funded through generous donations from our community through the St. Charles Foundation. If you are interested in donating, please click here.
Treatment by an oncology-trained acupuncturist involves painlessly inserting small needles into specific points on the body to stimulate energy flow. Acupuncture is offered to patients with symptoms related to treatment such as peripheral neuropathy, gastrointestinal issues, dry mouth, pain, nausea and sustained high anxiety.
Reiki
Reiki (ray’key) is a Japanese energy-based technique that provides deep relaxation and supports the body toward balance. Sessions involve light, hands-on touch provided by certified Reiki practitioners while patients lie on a table fully clothed. Benefits may include:
Deep relaxation
Enhanced sense of peace and well-being
Decrease in fatigue
Decrease in tension and anxiety
Increase in immune system response
Decrease in pain
Therapeutic Massage
Massage therapy is provided by an oncology-trained massage therapist. Massage is offered in the infusion room during your treatment or by private appointment.
Aromatherapy
Integrative Therapies now has aromatherapy to enhance our healing modalities.
Aromatherapy is the practice of using natural oils to enhance psychological and physical well-being. Each oil is of a natural compound which is found in the seeds, stems, bark, roots, flowers and other parts of plants. If you have enjoyed the smell of lavender, a rose or freshly cut mint, then you have experienced the aromatic qualities of essential oils.
As a patient enters the door of the Integrative Therapies Suite, they are happily greeted by our scheduler and with sounds of soft music coming from each of the therapy rooms. At that time, they take a moment to discover which essential oil feels good to them as they inhale its essence. Patients are then given their own personal inhaler to use during their massage, reiki or acupuncture session and also to take with them as a gift to use to calm or enhance their day.
Oncology Massage
Massage therapy at the Cancer Center is provided by an oncology-trained massage therapist. Massage is offered in the infusion room during your treatment or by appointment. This massage is a therapeutic and safe massage for patients going through cancer treatment. Benefits of massage may include deep relaxation, decrease in muscular tension, pain and anxiety.
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HPV vaccination
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common virus that can cause cancer.
The HPV vaccine prevents infection from the most harmful kinds of HPV.
What is HPV?
HPV is a very common virus. Nearly 80 million people - about one in four - are currently infected in the United States. About 14 million people, including teens, become infected with HPV each year. HPV infection can cause cervical, vaginal and vulvar cancers in women, penile cancer in men and anal cancer, cancer of the back of the throat (oropharynx) and genital warts in both men and women.
Three things parents should know about preventing cancer:
HPV vaccine is cancer prevention
HPV vaccine protects against HPV types that most commonly cause anal, cervical, throat/neck, penile, vaginal and vulvar cancers. Most of these cancers can be prevented by HPV vaccine.
HPV vaccine is one of the vaccines recommended for preteens.
Preteens need three vaccines at 11 or 12. They protect against whooping cough, meningitis and cancers caused by HPV.
HPV vaccine is best at 11-12 years
Preteens have a higher immune response to HPV vaccines than older teens. While there is very little risk of exposure to HPV before age 13, the risk of exposure increases thereafter.
What is the HPV vaccine schedule?
Most adolescents 9 through 14 years of age should receive the vaccine in two doses, with the second dose 6 to 12 months following the first dose. For those that do not start the series before age 15, three doses should be given. The second shot is given between one and two months after the first dose and the third dose is given six months after the first. Following these schedules results in the most effective protection.
Is the HPV vaccine safe?
The HPV vaccine is safe and effective. The first HPV vaccine was available in 2006, and since then, more than 40 million doses of vaccine have been administered. There have been no serious safety concerns associated with HPV vaccination.
Is help available for the cost of vaccines?
Check to see if your health insurance covers the HPV vaccine. If your child does not have health insurance or does not have insurance that covers vaccines, ask your health care provider about Oregon’s Vaccines For Children (VFC) program or visit your local health department or school-based health center. Pharmacies can also provide immunizations for children who are 11 and older.
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Beginning cancer treatment is a confusing and overwhelming time. It's essential that you receive clear, simple and complete information about how the process works, what to expect and what can be done to manage your symptoms.
Your oncology (cancer) nurses, radiation therapists, radiation oncologists (radiation therapy doctors) and medical oncologists (chemotherapy/hematology doctors) will be a great source of information.
Prior to your first visit, you may be instructed to download, print out and complete the applicable forms and bring them with you to your visit:
After the diagnosis: Breast cancer survivors share wisdom and hope
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What is the High-Risk Breast Clinic?
The High-Risk Breast Clinic is a comprehensive program for women with an increased risk of developing breast cancer. The team of breast care specialists includes genetic specialists, breast surgeons, radiologists, oncologists and nurse navigators.
The clinic can provide a personalized care plan that includes:
Breast cancer risk assessment
Breast exams by a breast care specialist
Genetic risk assessment and testing
Personalized screening and prevention options
Who may be at risk?
Personal and family history of cancer
Having a mother, sister or daughter diagnosed with breast cancer, particularly before menopause.
Two or more close relatives - such as aunts, grandmothers or cousins - diagnosed with breast cancer, especially at a young age.
Diagnosis of ovarian cancer in multiple family members.
Combination of breast and ovarian cancer occurring on the same side of the family.
Breast cancer diagnosed in a male relative.
A personal history of breast or ovarian cancer.
History of breast biopsy showing atypical hyperplasia or lobular carcinoma in-situ (LCIS).
Genetic risk assessment and testing
Although most breast cancers occur in women who do not have a strong family history of breast cancer, about five to 10 percent are hereditary. Researchers have identified genes that increase a person’s risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer. Other mutations can increase risk.
Based on your family history of cancer, you may benefit from a genetic risk assessment and genetic testing. We will discuss this at your first visit.
How the clinic works
Start by calling 541-706-6729 and participating in a phone interview with our high-risk manager. If you are determined to be at increased risk for breast cancer, and would like to participate in the clinic, you will be enrolled.
Your first visit will be with one of the participating providers who will review your history, answer all of your questions and establish a care plan.
The clinic will help schedule and coordinate regular clinical breast exams, radiology screening and preventative measures including lifestyle education and chemoprevention, based on your care plan.
Early diagnosis is key to the most successful treatment
Screening and techniques
Your breast care team will discuss options for cancer screening. High-risk screening may include:
Annual digital mammography: Annual mammography remains the standard for breast screening. Both 2D and 3D imaging may be used. 3D mammography is the newest screening and diagnostic mammography tool with improved breast cancer detection rates.
Annual breast MRI: Annual MRI is recommended by the American Cancer Society and the American College of Radiology in women with a 20 percent or greater lifetime risk of developing breast cancer. Often this will be staggered every six months with a mammogram.
Screening breast ultrasound: Screening ultrasound can be used in addition to mammography for some patients, particularly those who cannot undergo MRI.
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Total Joint Classes
We have slowly started to offer our total joint classes again. Class size is limited since we continue to keep social distancing in the classroom. You need to be registered for class. We cannot take drop-ins at this time. You and you coach (someone that you live with) will need to arrive 15 minutes early. Wear your masks and be prepared to go through screening process at the front door. This will include health questions and temperature check. You will then be directed to the classroom. To inquire about class please call 541-706-4922 and leave your name and phone number.
Total Joint Exercises
Follow these exercises to strengthen your muscles prior to total joint replacement surgery.
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Knee replacement
Are you tired of knee pain? It’s a common problem for many Americans who either suffer from arthritis, have experienced a knee injury or are just a victim of “wear and tear” due to aging. You don’t have to live with knee pain any longer. Get back to your old life with help from the orthopedic doctors at St. Charles Health System.
How does a knee replacement work?
When you have a knee replacement, you are taking a big step forward to stopping knee pain. Knee replacement (or knee arthroscopy) is a procedure in which a damaged or painful knee is replaced with an artificial joint. After the procedure, you’ll be able to move your knee joint back and forth without pain.
Do you qualify for knee replacement?
Whether it’s caused by severe knee joint damage from injuries, arthritis or infections, you may be a good candidate for knee replacement if:
Knee pain limits your daily activities
Knee pain is present even at rest
The knee joint is deformed
X-rays show severe joint damage to cartilage and bone
Other treatments like physical therapy haven’t worked
What you should expect during total knee replacement
During this pain-free operation, you’re asleep because of a general anesthetic. Your St. Charles Health System surgeon will make an incision in the knee to remove damaged cartilage and bone and replace it with plastic or metal surfaces meant to move smoothly inside your joint. You may spend several days in the hospital, but increasingly knee replacements can be completed with a short hospital stay or even as a same-day, outpatient surgery. It all depends on your personal medical condition and these expectations should be discussed with your surgeon. You will also likely spend time completing physical therapy after the surgery. Over time, with physical therapy, you’ll regain knee function with less and less pain.
Stop trying to push through your knee pain. For more information about joint replacement at St. Charles, call 541-706-4922.
In Central Oregon, St. Charles Health System strives to help people who need total knee replacement lead normal, healthy and happy lives.
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Hip replacement surgery at St. Charles
When hip pain, stiffness and limited motion begin to interfere with your daily life, hip replacement surgery may be the right solution. At the St. Charles Center for Orthopedics & Neurosurgery, our experienced orthopedic surgeons offer advanced surgical techniques — including anterior hip replacement — to help relieve pain, restore function and get you back to the activities you love.
Understanding hip pain
The hip is a ball-and-socket joint, where the femoral head (the ball) fits into the acetabulum (the socket) of the pelvic bone. Articular cartilage cushions the joint and allows smooth movement. When this cartilage wears away — often due to arthritis, injury or infection — bones rub together, leading to pain, stiffness and reduced mobility.
When is a hip replacement needed?
Your doctor may recommend a total hip replacement (also called hip arthroplasty) if:
Hip pain or stiffness limits your daily activities
You experience pain even while at rest
Imaging shows joint damage, cartilage loss or bone-on-bone contact
Non-surgical treatments like physical therapy, medications or injections are no longer effective
What to expect from surgery
Hip replacement surgery involves removing the damaged cartilage and bone, then replacing them with implants made of metal, ceramic or durable plastic. These implants are designed to replicate your natural joint and restore smooth, pain-free motion.
Depending on your health and specific procedure, your surgery may be done as an inpatient or outpatient. Many patients return home the same day or after a short hospital stay. Your surgeon will help determine the best option for you.
Anterior Hip Replacement
St. Charles also offers anterior hip replacement — a minimally invasive approach using a small incision at the front of the hip. This technique avoids cutting through major muscles, which can result in:
Less pain after surgery
A faster recovery
Improved joint stability
Easier wound care
Physical therapy usually begins the day after surgery, and most patients return home within one or two days.
Recovery and returning to life
While some people experience pain relief immediately after surgery, recovery varies. Most patients see major improvements within 8 to 12 weeks, though full recovery may take up to a year. You will receive detailed instructions for:
Caring for your incision
Physical therapy exercises
Follow-up appointments
Preparing your home for recovery, including the use of a walker or arranging help with daily activities
Long-term outlook
Hip replacements are highly successful. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, they are among the most effective surgeries in medicine, with most implants lasting 15 years or more.
To protect your new joint and maintain long-term success:
Avoid high-impact sports
Stay active with low-impact exercises
Learn safe techniques for lifting or bending
Maintain a healthy weight
Orthopedic expertise in Central Oregon
From X-rays and therapy to advanced hip replacement surgery, St. Charles offers comprehensive orthopedic care for patients across Central Oregon. Our team stays current with the latest advancements, including outpatient joint replacement and robotic-assisted techniques such as MAKOplasty.
To learn more about joint replacement or schedule a consultation, call 541-382-3344.
Laboratory tests provide valuable information for making health care decisions. Practitioners use them to help assess your health status, diagnose disease, determine appropriate treatment or monitor treatment.
What hours are the labs open for walk-in services?
We have several outpatients labs in Central Oregon. Click here for a full list of locations and hours of operation.
What if I have an urgent lab need after hours?
Our inpatient lab is open 24 hours a day, every day.
Can I order lab tests on myself without an order from a doctor?
ORS 438 allows specific tests to be performed without a practitioner's order. St. Charles has several tests called Public Screen Testing that you may request without an order from a doctor. Patient should be fasting 10-12 hours prior to collection.
In the state of Oregon, only certain licensed health care professionals may order laboratory tests. However, you may get blood glucose, cholesterol or lipid panel testing at health fair prices on a walk-in basis at our outpatient draw sites.
When are lab tests completed?
Most test results are delivered within 24 hours. If urgent care and lab results are needed rapidly, tests are ordered "STAT" and results are reported to the doctor within minutes or hours.
May I have a copy of my lab results?
Lab results are released via MyChart, our electronic health records system, as soon as they're available. Please be aware that the patient and the ordering provider receive them simultaneously, so you may see results before your provider has had a chance to review them.
If you would rather pick up a copy of your results in person, a release form is required. Please visit our Medical Records page for more information.
Are lab tests covered by Medicare?
Medicare will pay for these screening tests under the following conditions:
Cholesterol, triglycerides and HDL (lipid panel): Once every five years.
Glucose: Once a year (365 days) for those without pre-diabetes; twice a year for those with pre-diabetes.
PSA screening: Once a year (365 days) for men age 50 years and over.
Occult blood screening: Once a year (365 days) for age 50 years and over (no specific diagnosis code required).
Other screening tests might not be covered by Medicare, which only pays for tests considered medically necessary. To be covered, tests must be ordered with a specific, Medicare-related diagnosis code.
Can I test for certain conditions with a home kit?
Yes, but caution is advised. Currently kits are available for blood glucose, cholesterol, HIV, occult blood, ovulation and pregnancy testing. Home-based testing kits will only give reliable results if the directions are followed exactly.
