Oncology Essentials for Rehab Clinicians


MGB Employees: Free with coupon code and proof of MGB User ID
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Non MGB Employees: $100

Therapy Interventions for the Oncology Patient

As advances in cancer treatment continue to improve survival rates, rehabilitation professionals are increasingly caring for individuals living with and beyond cancer. This session provides a practical overview of therapy management for oncology patients, including the benefits and safety of exercise throughout the cancer continuum. Participants will review common hematologic cancers, treatment approaches, medication and laboratory value considerations, and key red flags that may impact rehabilitation planning. Through evidence-based recommendations and real-world case studies, learners will explore evaluation and intervention strategies for cancer-related fatigue, treatment-related deconditioning, weakness and balance impairments, and reduced aerobic capacity. Emphasis will be placed on safe exercise prescription, symptom monitoring, interdisciplinary communication, and clinical decision-making to support optimal patient outcomes.

Oncology Symptom Management and Special Considerations

This continuing education course equips therapists with a comprehensive, clinically grounded framework for treating patients across the cancer care continuum.

Beginning with the physiological effects of chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, and radiation, participants will learn to recognize and manage complications such as chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy and radiation fibrosis, and to determine when and how rehabilitation can safely proceed alongside active treatment.

Through four in-depth case studies — metastatic lung cancer, head and neck cancer, brain tumor, and pelvic/rectal cancer — learners will apply evidence-based evaluation and intervention strategies to complex, real-world scenarios,

Presented by Spaulding Rehabilitation’s Oncology Special Interest Group, this course offers a blend of technical depth and human-centered insight — ideal for clinicians seeking to provide safer, more compassionate, and more effective care for people living with and beyond cancer.

Management of the Oncology Patient with Lymphedema

Through the use of case studies, this course will equip therapists with the clinical knowledge and practical tools needed to confidently evaluate and manage patients with lymphedema. Participants will learn to identify key signs and symptoms — including axillary web syndrome and cellulitis — and will explore foundational concepts of the lymphatic system to better understand how impaired microcirculation leads to lymphedema.

We will cover how to screen, examine, and monitor patients throughout the episode of care, including girth and volume measurements, safe exercise prescription for patients at risk for or living with stable lymphedema, and when referral to a specialized lymphedema therapist is warranted.

By the end of the course, therapists will leave with practical, evidence-informed tips and tools ready to apply the very next morning with oncology patients in their clinic.

Management of the Oncology Patient with Metastatic Bone Metastases

Through the use of case studies, this course will equip therapists with the clinical knowledge and practical tools needed to confidently evaluate and manage patients with known or suspected bone metastases. Participants will learn to identify key signs and symptoms associated with metastatic bone disease, enabling earlier recognition and more informed clinical decision-making.

We will explore how to appropriately modify examination procedures and treatment interventions for this population — including how to prescribe safe, meaningful movement and exercise while monitoring for potential negative side effects or sequelae of disease progression. Participants will also learn to evaluate findings over time to determine when escalation of care or referral to a specialist is warranted.

Recognizing that oncology care extends beyond the physical, this course will also address how to approach serious illness conversations — equipping therapists with communication strategies to support the whole patient with compassion and clarity.

By the end of the course, therapists will leave with practical, evidence-informed tips and tools ready to apply the very next morning with oncology patients in their clinic.

Target Audience: Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists
Instructional Level: Introductory
Prerequisites: None
Cancellation Policy: Spaulding reserves the right to adjust components of this program or to cancel the program for unexpected occurrences.  Notice of changes or cancellation will be provided expediently.  Upon cancellation of a course, a refund for the price paid for the course will be given. A processing fee of $10 may be charged when the registrant provides written notice of cancellation of their attendance less than 7 business days prior to the program date. Tuition is non-refundable if the registrant does not provide notice of cancellation at least 7 days prior to the program date.  Spaulding apologizes but will not be responsible for inconveniences incurred due to program changes.
Speaker DisclosuresTina Dicenso-Fleming is a salaried employee of MGB. She has no other financial or non-financial disclosures to share. Maddie Keppel is a salaried employee of MGB. She has no other financial or non-financial disclosures to share. Abigail Spaulding is a salaried employee of MGB. She has no other financial or non-financial disclosures to share. Erin Milton is a salaried employee of MGB. She has no other financial or non-financial disclosures to share. Jessica Riggs Garton is a salaried employee of MGB. She has no other financial or non-financial disclosures to share. Laura Little Foley is a salaried employee of MGB. She has no other financial or non-financial disclosures to share. 

The Spaulding Rehabilitation Network is recognized as an approved provider of continuing education by AOTA. Course approval ID# [PENDING]. These courses are offered for a combined .6 AOTA CEUs (Introductory level; OT Service Delivery and Foundational Knowledge category). The assignment of AOTA CEU’s does not imply endorsement of specific course content, products or clinical procedures by AOTA.

The Spaulding Rehabilitation Network is recognized as an approved provider of continuing education by APTA. Information provided should be used within scope of practice.  These courses are offered for a combined 6.0 contact hours/CEHs.

Oncology Essentials for Rehab Clinicians

$100.00
access until January 1, 2030 12:00 am