Over the last twenty years, I have worked in various physical therapy settings, from bustling community hospitals to private practices. Each experience deepened my understanding of the diverse challenges my patients face. But about a decade ago, I found my true calling—a realization that would shape the rest of my career, becoming an Oncology Specialist.
As I worked with more patients battling cancer, I began to notice a significant gap in outpatient physical therapy services for oncology patients. Their recovery journeys often involved both physical and emotional scars that traditional rehabilitation approaches struggled to address. I knew something had to change, and I felt a deep responsibility to be part of that change.
Determined to make a difference, I immersed myself in the world of oncology rehabilitation. I started attending hospital tumor boards and physician cancer conferences and delving into the latest research through medical journals. This commitment to learning was the foundation upon which I built my specialized practice.
In 2017, I took a significant step forward by becoming certified as an Oncology Specialist through the Physiological Oncology Rehabilitation Institute (PORi). This milestone in my career was a testament to my dedication to providing the best possible care for my patients. I also earned the American Physical Therapy Association’s (APTA) advanced Certificate of Achievement in Peripheralv Edema, further honing my skills in managing lymphedema, a common and challenging side effect of cancer treatment.
In my practice, I focus on holistic and personalized care, ensuring that you receive the support you need at every stage of your recovery. I understand how and why physical therapy rehabilitation and post-operative rehabilitation improve a patient’s quality of life during and after cancer treatment. My approach involves manual therapy interventions designed to decrease scar tissue impairments and resolve axillary web syndrome, all with the goal of restoring you to a functional baseline.
Education and self-care management are also critical components of my approach. For patients dealing with secondary lymphedema from lymph node dissection, I provide the knowledge and tools you need to recognize and manage early signs of lymphedema. This includes teaching manual lymphatic drainage massage, one of the many effective techniques I use to help you maintain your health and prevent complications.
Every step of your recovery journey is important, and I’m here to support you in reclaiming your strength, mobility, and quality of life. By focusing on your individual needs and goals, I create a personalized plan that addresses your current challenges and helps you build a foundation for long-term health and well-being.
You don’t have to navigate this journey alone. Whether you’re in the midst of treatment or on the road to recovery, I’m here to support you every step of the way. Together, we can create a personalized plan that meets your unique needs and helps you regain your strength, mobility, and quality of life.
The only American Physical Therapy Association Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Oncology Physical Therapy in Santa Cruz, Santa Clara and Monterey Counties. Offering Lymphedema Care and Advanced Post-Surgical Therapy.