Our Rehabilitation and Exercise program offers specialized services for cancer patients. Here’s what you need to know to participate.
How to join the program
To access our services, you need a medical referral. This can come from:
- Your oncologist
- Your surgeon
- Your family physician
- Your nurse
- Any other healthcare professional involved in your care
Who is eligible for the program?
You’re eligible if you meet any of the following criteria:
- Cancer diagnosis: Any patient within 2 years of diagnosis
- Metastatic/recurrence: Patients remain eligible beyond 2 years post-diagnosis
- Long-term physical effects: Patients experiencing ongoing physical issues related to treatment may receive short-term rehabilitation or counselling services
We’ve created a consultation form that your healthcare provider needs to complete. Simply print it and bring it to your next medical appointment.
What services does the program offer?
Our program offers two main types of support:
Exercise support and healthy living:
- Help creating an active lifestyle that works for you
- Personal exercise plans for those feeling well
- Customized exercise plans for those experiencing weakness, tiredness, breathing difficulties, or trouble moving
- Ways to manage cancer-related fatigue
- Safe exercise guidance for those with an ostomy (a surgically created opening)
- Preparation exercises before cancer treatment (prehabilitation)
Specialized physical recovery:
- Help with healing scars and related problems
- Solutions for movement limitations caused by treatment
- Help for stiffness from radiation therapy
- Ways to prevent falls and fractures if you have weak bones
- Support for numbness, tingling, or balance problems
- Exercise advice for lymphedema (swelling in arms or legs)
- Help applying for accessible transportation services or disabled parking permits
How does the program work?
Once accepted into the program, you’ll have access to:
- A 12-week personalized exercise plan with access to the Wellness Centre gym, followed by a check-in and possible gym membership extension
- 1-year access to group classes at the Wellness Centre and/or online
- Short-term physical therapy services (4-6 sessions), after which you may transition to private practice if you wish
We hope this program can help you in your recovery journey. Please discuss this option with your medical team at your next appointment.
