Specialty Rehabilitation

Special circumstances may require special therapies. That’s where the Adventist Health Portland specialty rehabilitation team comes in.

Our caring specialty rehab professionals provide unique physical therapy services for both men and women coping with special situations.

Rehabilitative therapy can help you return to a productive and rewarding life. Adventist Health Portland’s specialty rehab is a combined clinic where therapists with different specialties have come together to provide a well-rounded rehab program treating a variety of issues.

Post-surgical breast rehab

The post-surgical breast rehab program is designed for those who have undergone any type of breast surgery, including:

• Mastectomy
• Reconstruction
• Lumpectomy
• Biopsy
• Augmentation or reduction

After breast surgery and/or radiation, patients may experience pain, discomfort, weakness or a reduction in range of motion and functional use of their arm(s) due to scarring, soft-tissue damage or disuse.

Reconstruction following mastectomy can also be painful during the expansion phase. Specialty rehab therapists use a combination of scar mobilization and myofascial release techniques to help resolve many of these problems.

Scar mobilization helps to realign collagen regrowth into a flexible form that moves more easily with the body's normal motion. Myofascial release is specific, directed pressure applied over time to help unbind your fascia — a type of connective tissue in your body. Even those who underwent surgery many years ago can find relief through this treatment.

Post-radiation scar and tissue therapy

Scar mobilization and myofascial release technique can also be used successfully in any area where patients have physical restrictions due to surgery or radiation including the neck, throat and face. Our speech language pathologists work with patients to help with swallowing and speech issues.

Lymphedema treatment

Lymphedema is a frequent complication associated with cancer treatment. Lymphedema is the swelling of the arm(s) and/or leg(s) resulting from damage to the lymph system.

Although lymphedema has many possible causes, in someone with or recovering from cancer, it usually occurs due to lymph node removal during surgery and/or damage from radiation therapy.

Specialty rehab therapists treat lymphedema using special massage techniques and wraps to reduce swelling and restore normal arm or leg function. You’ll also be instructed in self-massage, exercise and the use of a specialized compression garment so you can continue your therapy at home.

Without treatment, lymphedema can result in a chronically swollen limb, pain and the loss of range of motion. With early treatment, patients can get and maintain normal use of their arms without swelling with only minimal management.

Pelvic muscle dysfunction treatment

Treatment for pelvic muscle dysfunction benefits those with problems with urinary and/or fecal control or incontinence. Loss of control can occur with aging and after childbirth or a hysterectomy but can also occur following prostate, uterine or ovarian cancer.

Therapists use a special biofeedback software program to evaluate each patient's unique problems and to track their progress. This biofeedback helps retrain their function and allows therapists to design and walk them through a customized self-management program.

Therapists will also educate and advise about anatomy and physiology, lifestyle changes, and self-care strategies and techniques to help patients achieve and maintain long-term success. We work with you to create an individualized treatment plan that takes into account your whole health and lifestyle.

Most insurance plans — including Medicare, Medicaid and worker’s compensation — cover our specialty rehab services.

What our patients say

“Only four visits, and I’m doing so much better.”

"Physical therapy helped me so much after my breast surgery!"

“My swollen legs are so much better. I didn’t know the physical therapists at the lymphedema clinic could help.”

"I had no idea there was physical therapy for incontinence!"

We're here to help! If you have questions or would like an appointment, reach out today.
Call: (503) 261-6922
Fax: (503) 261-6623

Or fill out our online form here.