Summit Certification Series

Cancer Rehabilitation

Expand your cancer rehab knowledge

- Risk assessments, treatment side effects, lymphedema, and exercise prescription

- Improve quality of survivorship and functional impairments

- Earn your Summit Cancer Rehabilitation Certification

Summit Certification Series
Subscribe to Unlock

Cancer Rehabilitation

Cancer and its treatment regimens can cause a host of complications for therapy interventions and require new considerations to achieve desired outcomes. These five courses, together spanning 14 hours, approach both short- and long-term oncology rehab through risk assessment, side effects of chemotherapy, lymphedema considerations, and exercise prescription.

What this certification series addresses

As the treatments for various types of cancers continue to improve, there has been exponential growth in the survivors who are living longer than ever before. However, despite the advancements in medical treatment, not all patients are aware of how they can further improve the quality of survivorship. Patients are often not aware of the continuum of care, nor do they realize they can often improve functional impairments that plagued them during treatment, including surgery, chemotherapy, drug therapy, and radiation.

When a patient makes the decision to undergo chemotherapy treatment of cancer, the possible side effects understandably take a back seat. But what if you could prepare and guide a patient through the cognitive and physical changes associated with chemotherapy treatment? Rehabilitation specialists are in a unique position to support patients and their families to improve function, participation, and overall quality of life. Take this opportunity to learn the best, evidence-based tools to help your patient live life to the fullest.

What courses are included

Subscribe to Unlock

"Rehabilitation Approaches to Better Manage Cancer Pain"

Taught by Nicole Scheiman, DrOT, MHS, OTR/L, CLT-LANA, CES, CKTP, CEES-Advanced, CSST, CDCS, CORE

This course will assist practitioners to understand the pathophysiology of cancer-related pain, expand one’s understanding of how pain may present with individuals with cancer, and increase or improve your ability to provideevidence-based, safe, and effective treatment options to decrease pain, increase comfort, and ultimately improve yourpatient’s quality of life.

Available as:

2-Hour Online Video

Highlights

  • Solidify your understanding of the pathophysiology of cancer pain
  • Expand your understanding of the various presentations of pain for individuals with cancer
  • Improve your ability to provide safe and effective treatment options for individuals receiving medical intervention for cancer
Check CE

Nicole Scheiman, DrOT, MHS, OTR/L, CLT-LANA, CKTP, CEES-Advanced, CES, CSST, CDCS, CORE has been a practicing Occupational Therapist for over 20 years in the areas of acute care, outpatient, aquatic therapy, home care, animal assisted therapy, skilled nursing, and consultative capacities. Dr. Scheiman has extensive personal and professional experience working with individuals with cancer and the often-debilitating co-morbidities left behind. Dr. Scheiman has a passion for improving the rehabilitation care provided to individuals with cancer throughout their journey. Her certifications associated with cancer include being a Certified Lymphedema Therapist, Certified Kinesiotaping Practitioner, Cancer Exercise Specialist, and Certified Oncology Rehab Expert.

Dr. Scheiman focused her master’s Capstone on Edema Management and her Doctoral Capstone on Cancer Rehabilitation. Dr. Scheiman has published, “To Pump or Not to Pump” in OT and PT Practice. She has published two chapters on lymphedema in the OT and OTA national board exam review books, “45 Days and Counting.” She has also published a study on the “Surveillance Protocols for Survivors at Risk for Lymphedema” for the Current Breast Cancer Reports Journal. Dr. Scheiman has also been invited to present at the King Fahad Specialist Hospital in Saudi Arabia on Cancer. She has presented nationally at the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) and the Indiana Occupational Therapy Association (IOTA) conferences on oncology and edemas. She is an active member with AOTA, IOTA, and the National Lymphedema Network. Dr. Scheiman is the 2022 recipient of the AOTA Award for Excellence in the Advancement of Occupational Therapy. Additionally, she is active on her local hospital board of directors and recently joined the board for the Lymphology Association of North America.

DISCLOSURES

FINANCIAL: Nicole Scheiman is compensated by Summit as an instructor.

NONFINANCIAL: Nicole Scheiman has no non-financial relationships to disclose.

  1. Interpret the pathophysiology of cancer-related pain along with the various presentations of pain.
  2. Examine evidence-based, safe, and effective treatment options for individuals with cancer.

 

  1. Pathophysiology of Cancer-Related Pain
    1. Pain associated with:
      1. Chemotherapy
      2. Radiation
      3. Surgery
  2. Presentation of Pain and Interventional Techniques
    1. Pain associated with various specific cancers
    2. Rehabilitation techniques:
      1. Management of occupations (ADLs, IADLs, work, leisure, social participation)
      2. Energy conservation techniques
      3. Lifestyle management preventative health, improved fitness
      4. Monitoring signs and symptoms of lymphedema
      5. Strategies for reducing anxiety and depression
      6. Yoga/deep breathing/relaxation to reduce stress
      7. Home exercise - Range of motion, stretching, postural exercises
      8. Cognitive strategies - Memory, problem solving, organizational executive function deficits
      9. Sleep and fatigue management
      10. Family and caregiver education
    3. Interventions to support daily activities
  1. Interpret the pathophysiology of cancer-related pain along with the various presentations of pain.
  2. Examine evidence-based, safe, and effective treatment options for individuals with cancer.

"Helping Cancer Patients Manage Fatigue"

Taught by Lisa Sylvestri, MSPT

It is estimated that 80-100% of cancer patientsexperience cancer-related fatigue, making it the most common side effect encountered by survivors. While the patient may think that resting or sleeping will make them feel better, this is often not the case. Research clearly tells us that exercise is extremely beneficial for these patients. This course will help therapists better understand cancer-related fatigue and teach patients to effectively manage and reduce fatigue levels.

Available as:

2-Hour Online Video

Highlights

  • Develop a safe and effective program to help cancer patients manage fatigue
  • Effective strategies to teach patients fatigue management strategies that can be used at home
Check CE

Lisa Berman Sylvestri, MSPT, CLT is a licensed physical therapist and certified lymphedema therapist, with 18 years of clinical experience, and 10 in lymphedema/oncology. She is certified through both the Academy of Lymphatic Studies, as well as the Dr. Vodder school. Most recently she developed and built a new lymphedema and oncology rehabilitation program at San Ramon Regional Medical Center, where she was also involved in community education regarding different oncologic disease processes and treatments.

DISCLOSURES

FINANCIAL: Lisa Sylvestri is compensated by Summit as an instructor. She is the owner of Oasis Physical Therapy and Wellness from which she receives a salary as well as ownership interest.

NONFINANCIAL: Lisa Sylvestri has no non-financial relationships to disclose.

  1. Cancer-Related Fatigue
    1. Causes
    2. Benefits of exercise and impact on activities of daily living/occupational performance
    3. Supporting research
    4. Team approach
  2. Creating Effective Exercise Programs
    1. Breathing exercises
    2. Pacing
    3. Written instructions
    4. Posture and ADLs
    5. Strength and endurance exercises
    6. Designing occupation-specific exercise programs
  1. Classify cancer-related fatigue and its debilitating effect on patients’ everyday lives.
  2. Formulate patient education for immediate and long-term treatment strategies.
  3. Implement exercise programs which improve fatigue levelsand enhance proficiency in activities of daily living.

"Rehabilitation Considerations for Head and Neck Cancer"

Taught by Nicole Scheiman, DrOT, MHS, OTR/L, CLT-LANA, CES, CKTP, CEES-Advanced, CSST, CDCS, CORE

In the United States, the incidence of HPV-driven oropharyngeal cancer has increased by 225% since the late 1980s, putting the United States at the epicenter of this emerging epidemic. As a result, rehabilitation professionals are seeing an increase in clients with comorbidities stemming from medical interventions for head and neck cancers. Increased incidence paired with highly successful medical treatments is resulting in more individuals needing theservices of rehabilitation professionals. Our services are vital throughout the treatment trajectory in order to provideprevention of co-morbidities as well as treatment of side- effects. We are charged with providing these individuals with safe and effective client-driven treatment techniques to restore and improve quality of life.

This course will assist practitioners to understand the anatomy involved in head and neck cancers along with the advanced medical interventions individuals with head and neck cancer receive and the related side-effects. Participants will learn potential rehabilitation needs of individuals with head and neck cancer and various treatment options to improve their quality of life. An introduction tovarious outcome measures will also be discussed.

Available as:

2-Hour Online Video

Highlights

  • Recognize acute and long-term side effects of medical treatments for head and neck cancers that may impact your client's quality of life
  • Provide safe and effective treatment options for individuals receiving medicalinterventions for head and neck cancer
Check CE

Nicole Scheiman, DrOT, MHS, OTR/L, CLT-LANA, CKTP, CEES-Advanced, CES, CSST, CDCS, CORE has been a practicing Occupational Therapist for over 20 years in the areas of acute care, outpatient, aquatic therapy, home care, animal assisted therapy, skilled nursing, and consultative capacities. Dr. Scheiman has extensive personal and professional experience working with individuals with cancer and the often-debilitating co-morbidities left behind. Dr. Scheiman has a passion for improving the rehabilitation care provided to individuals with cancer throughout their journey. Her certifications associated with cancer include being a Certified Lymphedema Therapist, Certified Kinesiotaping Practitioner, Cancer Exercise Specialist, and Certified Oncology Rehab Expert.

Dr. Scheiman focused her master’s Capstone on Edema Management and her Doctoral Capstone on Cancer Rehabilitation. Dr. Scheiman has published, “To Pump or Not to Pump” in OT and PT Practice. She has published two chapters on lymphedema in the OT and OTA national board exam review books, “45 Days and Counting.” She has also published a study on the “Surveillance Protocols for Survivors at Risk for Lymphedema” for the Current Breast Cancer Reports Journal. Dr. Scheiman has also been invited to present at the King Fahad Specialist Hospital in Saudi Arabia on Cancer. She has presented nationally at the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) and the Indiana Occupational Therapy Association (IOTA) conferences on oncology and edemas. She is an active member with AOTA, IOTA, and the National Lymphedema Network. Dr. Scheiman is the 2022 recipient of the AOTA Award for Excellence in the Advancement of Occupational Therapy. Additionally, she is active on her local hospital board of directors and recently joined the board for the Lymphology Association of North America.

DISCLOSURES

FINANCIAL: Nicole Scheiman is compensated by Summit as an instructor.

NONFINANCIAL: Nicole Scheiman has no non-financial relationships to disclose.

  1. Anatomy and Medical Interventions for Head and Neck Cancer
    • Anatomy of the head and neck
    • Medical interventions for head and neck cancer
  2. Rehabilitation Needs and Treatment Interventions for Individuals with Head and Neck Cancer
    • Rehabilitation needs for individuals with head andneck cancer
    • Rehabilitation treatment options for head and neckcancer
  1. Review the anatomy and medical interventions involved with treating head and neck cancer.
  2. Distinguish the rehabilitation needs of individuals with head and neck cancer and various treatment interventions in order to provide safe and effective care.

"Developing Exercise Programs for Cancer Patients"

Taught by Lisa Sylvestri, MSPT

There are approximately 17 million cancer survivors currently living in the United States. While types of cancers vary greatly, so do the related treatments associated with them. Most cancer patients are living with multiple functional impairments and lifestyle restrictions. Many will require post- operative rehabilitation, and they will also need specific guidance on how to create long term fitness and wellness programs. With so many variables in a patient’s treatment and recovery process (as well as their own goals) it is important that therapists remain aware of specific guidelines associated with exercise prescription. This course willeducate therapists on the current recommended guidelines to follow, as well as specific precautions to be aware of in rehabilitating cancer patients and survivors.

Available as:

2-Hour Online Video

Highlights

  • Create safe and efficacious exercise programs for all stages of cancer survivorship
  • Confidently utilize the proper guidelines for optimizingcancer recovery
Check CE

Lisa Berman Sylvestri, MSPT, CLT is a licensed physical therapist and certified lymphedema therapist, with 18 years of clinical experience, and 10 in lymphedema/oncology. She is certified through both the Academy of Lymphatic Studies, as well as the Dr. Vodder school. Most recently she developed and built a new lymphedema and oncology rehabilitation program at San Ramon Regional Medical Center, where she was also involved in community education regarding different oncologic disease processes and treatments.

DISCLOSURES

FINANCIAL: Lisa Sylvestri is compensated by Summit as an instructor. She is the owner of Oasis Physical Therapy and Wellness from which she receives a salary as well as ownership interest.

NONFINANCIAL: Lisa Sylvestri has no non-financial relationships to disclose.

  1. Benefits of Exercise for Cancer Patients
    1. Cancer exercise recommendations
    2. Supporting research
    3. Team approach
  2. Creating Appropriate and Effective Programs
    1. During treatment
    2. Home program
      1. Facilitating optimal function in posture and ADLs
    3. Long-term fitness
    4. Occupation-based exercise protocols
    5. Precautions
  1. Examine the recommended exercise guidelines for cancer patients.
  2. Develop appropriate treatment plans for patients who have survived cancer or have a cancer diagnosis.

"Oncology Rehabilitation"

Taught by Nicole Scheiman, DrOT, MHS, OTR/L, CLT-LANA, CES, CKTP, CEES-Advanced, CSST, CDCS, CORE

This interactive and comprehensive oncology course provides an understanding into the current oncology healthcare model and supports the need for proactive care toimprove patient outcomes and cost utilization. This course provides practitioners with an understanding of the medical and psychosocial needs of individuals with cancer including lymphedema. Participants will learn to help practitioners who do not treat lymphedema know what to look for and how to make appropriate referrals and conversely, provide educationon lymphedema for those considering working in the area of oncology and lymphedema. Information is provided on theoretical models in support of rehabilitation with oncology patients. Examples of research articles to support rehab with individuals with cancer, outcome measures, rehabilitation protocols, and evaluation/re-evaluation/treatment note formsare provided. Participants will leave this course with a better understanding of best practices for oncology care and provide insights for those considering working in oncology care, developing a program, and/or becoming lymphedema certified.

Available as:

6-Hour Online Video

6-Hour Live Session

Highlights

  • Learn everyday, practical strategies to develop, guide, and support a comprehensive cancer care rehabilitation program
  • Incorporate over ten outcome measures to confidently assess oncology patients and immediately begin using in your daily practice
  • Therapeutic exercise and activity prescriptionfor cancer rehab and lymphedema prevention
  • Learn the best practice of rehabilitation in conjunction with the American Cancer Society and the American Society of Clinical Oncology's cancer survivorship recommendations and guidelines
  • Case studies, hands-on labs and therapybased documentation
Check CE

Nicole Scheiman, DrOT, MHS, OTR/L, CLT-LANA, CKTP, CEES-Advanced, CES, CSST, CDCS, CORE has been a practicing Occupational Therapist for over 20 years in the areas of acute care, outpatient, aquatic therapy, home care, animal assisted therapy, skilled nursing, and consultative capacities. Dr. Scheiman has extensive personal and professional experience working with individuals with cancer and the often-debilitating co-morbidities left behind. Dr. Scheiman has a passion for improving the rehabilitation care provided to individuals with cancer throughout their journey. Her certifications associated with cancer include being a Certified Lymphedema Therapist, Certified Kinesiotaping Practitioner, Cancer Exercise Specialist, and Certified Oncology Rehab Expert.

Dr. Scheiman focused her master’s Capstone on Edema Management and her Doctoral Capstone on Cancer Rehabilitation. Dr. Scheiman has published, “To Pump or Not to Pump” in OT and PT Practice. She has published two chapters on lymphedema in the OT and OTA national board exam review books, “45 Days and Counting.” She has also published a study on the “Surveillance Protocols for Survivors at Risk for Lymphedema” for the Current Breast Cancer Reports Journal. Dr. Scheiman has also been invited to present at the King Fahad Specialist Hospital in Saudi Arabia on Cancer. She has presented nationally at the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) and the Indiana Occupational Therapy Association (IOTA) conferences on oncology and edemas. She is an active member with AOTA, IOTA, and the National Lymphedema Network. Dr. Scheiman is the 2022 recipient of the AOTA Award for Excellence in the Advancement of Occupational Therapy. Additionally, she is active on her local hospital board of directors and recently joined the board for the Lymphology Association of North America.

DISCLOSURES

FINANCIAL: Nicole Scheiman is compensated by Summit as an instructor.

NONFINANCIAL: Nicole Scheiman has no non-financial relationships to disclose.

  1. Cancer Epidemiology, Pathology, Diagnostic Methods, and Staging
    1. Epidemiology
    2. Cancer screening
    3. Diagnostic techniques
  2. Medical and Surgical Management of Common Cancers
    1. Surgical
    2. Chemotherapy
    3. Radiotherapy
    4. Hormonal therapy
    5. Immunotherapy
  3. Proactive Versus Reactive Approaches to Cancer Rehab
    1. Current model-reactive
    2. Prospective surveillance model-proactive
  4. The Roles of a Multidisciplinary Team: Benefits of Proactive Care Versus Reactive Care
    1. Administrators
    2. Physicians
    3. Oncology care teams
    4. Patients
  5. Building a Foundation for Cancer Care
    1. Adult learning model - Teach back techniques
    2. Empowerment model
    3. Peri-operative surgical home model
  6. Treatment Interventions and Clinical Outcomes Measures
    1. Lymphedema
    2. Pain
    3. Fatigue
    4. Body image
    5. Depression
    6. Anxiety
    7. Sexual health
    8. Spirituality
    9. Work and productivity
  7. Precautions and Contraindications for Therapy
  8. Documentation: Best Practices for Accurate Documentation and Reimbursement
    1. Evaluation forms
    2. Treatment forms
    3. Home programs
  9. Case Studies and Hands-On Labs
    1. Accurate circumferential measuring
    2. Team case studies
    3. Relaxation-based group meditation
    Hands-on Labs Case Studies
  1. Classify cancer pathology, diagnostic procedures, and staging.
  2. Describe the medical and surgical management of common cancer diagnoses.
  3. Distinguish between a proactive (pre-hab) versus reactive (rehab) model of cancer care.
  4. Utilize the components of pre-hab as a cancer model/cancer protocol.
  5. Select and administer appropriate tests and measures for improved clinical outcomes.
  6. Design rehabilitation treatment strategies for common impairments.
  7. Evaluate precautions and contraindications forrehabilitation strategies.
Certification Series Overview