How can physical therapy help with GI + pelvic organ cancers?
Cancer treatments for the abdominal and pelvic organs don’t just affect the treatment area—they can also impact the surrounding tissues. Conditions like constipation or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may persist after surgery and radiation, but physical therapy can help manage and treat these issues. Your physical therapist can also discuss nutrition and refer you to a registered dietitian, as needed, to support you throughout your cancer and survivorship journey.
Radiation can cause the soft and connective tissues in the abdomen and pelvis to gradually tighten over time. Physical therapy can help you prevent this by teaching you effective stretching, self-massage, breathwork, exercise, and a dilator program to reduce pain and maintain function.
How can Dr. Jasia help?
Dr. Jasia is a Certified Lymphedema Therapist with years of oncology experience, and she began her career at MD Anderson Cancer Center, where she founded the Pelvic Health Rehabilitation Program. She has dedicated her work to supporting women with breast, GI, and pelvic organ cancers through physical therapy and rehabilitation.
As both a licensed Physical Therapist and a Breast Cancer Survivor, Dr. Jasia brings a unique perspective to her care. She combines her specialized training in Cancer Rehab, Women's Health, and Complete Decongestive Therapy with the empathy and understanding that comes from her own journey as a patient, survivor, and thriver.
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