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Coronavirus update

Thank you for entrusting us with your health care. We understand the concern and uncertainty you may be feeling about coronavirus (also known as COVID-19). With your care and safety in mind, we are changing how we provide some services.

Your health and safety are our top priorities, today and every day. We are here to provide you with the care and support you need. We encourage you to stay informed about how to stay healthy and to learn what steps to take if you think you have COVID-19. For the most up-to-date information on Allina Health's coronavirus response, and the information you need to stay healthy, learn more here.

Cancer rehabilitation and lymphedema services

Cancer rehabilitation helps offset the effects that cancer treatment can have on your health and well-being.

Cancer affects many parts of your life, from physical and social, to psychological and work-related. Cancer rehabilitation addresses the effects that cancer treatment can have on your health and well-being.

Lymphedema care is available for people with and without a cancer diagnosis. Lymphedema, the swelling of a body part, can happen after radiation or removal of lymph nodes.

 

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What it is

Before you begin cancer treatment, rehabilitation can help you build strength and endurance.

While you are undergoing treatment, it can help you maintain physical well-being and reduce discomfort.

After treatment, cancer rehabilitation it can help you regain function and strength.

What to expect

Cancer rehabilitation and lymphedema services are provided by a physical medicine and rehabilitation doctor or therapist. At your appointments, your team will look at your specific needs. Together, you’ll develop a plan to improve your physical functioning as well as improve your quality of life.

Good to know

A consultation with a physical medicine specialist is your first step. Then, you’ll work with your team to create a custom care plan.

Physical and occupational therapy referrals are made after you have been evaluated for weakness, pain, restricted mobility and lymphedema. Therapy is done one to five times a week.

Speech-language pathologists can help you with thinking and processing information. They will assess and treat any problems you might have with thought organization, memory, planning and problem solving to maintain safety in your environment.

Head and neck cancer

If you have a diagnosis of head and neck cancer there is a doctor, nurse coordinator and therapist who specialize in the unique problems you may face.

Speech-language pathologists are all certified in the use of VitalStim®, a form of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES). Electrodes send a small, carefully calibrated current to the motor nerves in your throat. This causes your swallowing muscles to contract.

A video swallow study will be ordered by your doctor or therapist. The study will be done by a speech-language pathologist and radiology staff. The speech services and radiology services for this study are billed separately.

Based on the results of the evaluation and video swallow study, you will receive speech-language pathology one to five times a week. This therapy is set up by the nurse coordinator. It will help you with the process of eating, swallowing and nutrition.

Speech-language pathologists will work with you if you need augmentative communication devices to help you produce or understand language.

Good for treating

Cancer rehabilitation can help treat some effects related to a cancer diagnosis, including:

  • balance problems
  • cognitive problems
  • difficulty with eating, swallowing, swelling and weakness in the jaw, neck and shoulder
  • fatigue
  • issues with communication
  • joint stiffness
  • lymphedema (cancer and non-cancer)
  • musculoskeletal pain
  • weakness

Good to know

Many of our physical and occupational therapists are certified lymphedema therapists. They also have expertise in neuromuscular conditions associated with cancer treatment.

Related links

Source: Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute
Reviewed by: Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute

First published: 8/1/2018
Last reviewed: 8/1/2018

Allina Health Everyday Clinic

This is a retail clinic location. We offer basic services for minor injuries and illnesses for patients 18 months and older. We do not see visits for workers' or injury compensation.

From the list below, please select the condition that best describes what you would like to be seen for. If you do not see what you are looking for, please visit an Urgent Care location or schedule a visit with your primary care provider.
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Everyday On Wheels

Everyday On Wheels mobile clinic is not wheel chair accessible due to the size of the vehicle. Patients should be able to safely climb a short set of stairs to enter the mobile clinic.

Please arrive 10 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment time and have your mobile phone available for the provider to contact you when they are ready to see you.
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We've changed how we provide some services with your care and safety in mind. Expanded virtual care services are available to schedule online. You can also call your clinic for help finding the best option.

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Please call to schedule

To schedule a virtual visit online, you need an Allina Health account.
For help setting up your account, call 1-888-425-5462.

What’s the reason for your visit?

Only these primary care appointments can be scheduled online. For all other appointments or with any questions, call 1-888-425-5462.
Office visit
Care for illness, injury or specific concerns.

What’s the reason for your visit?

Only these primary care appointments can be scheduled online. For all other appointments or with any questions, call 1-888-425-5462.
Well-child visit
Checkup of child's growth and development.
 Office visit
Care for illness, injury or specific concerns.