All physical therapists are qualified through higher education, clinical experience, and licensure to evaluate, diagnose, and treat a variety of symptoms and conditions. Many choose to focus their practice on a specific area or patient group and obtain advanced knowledge and experience in physical therapy specialty areas. Some attend residency programs, obtain board-certification, or go on to participate in fellowship programs. Learn more about these advanced learning pathways in physical therapy specialty areas.
Oncologic physical therapists focus on or specialize in providing physical therapist services for persons affected by cancer and cancer survivors of all ages. They practice in many settings, including:
- Acute care and inpatient rehabilitation hospitals.
- Skilled nursing facilities and long-term care facilities.
- Outpatient clinics and in the home.
- Health and wellness centers.
Often, physical therapy treatment for cancer survivors begins in the early stages of a cancer diagnosis. Oncologic physical therapists help cancer survivors manage cancer-related problems during and after treatment to help them maintain or gain:
- Strength.
- Flexibility.
- Endurance.
- Improved function and mobility.
Oncologic physical therapists often evaluate and treat adults and children with health conditions, such as:
- Breast cancer.
- Colon cancer.
- Lung cancer.
- Lymphedema (swelling due to a buildup of lymph fluid) related to cancer.
- Bone cancer.
- Brain cancer.
- Leukemia.
- Multiple myeloma.
- Skin cancer.
- HIV.
Looking for an oncologic physical therapist who focuses on or has experience treating patients with cancer-related problems. The American Physical Therapy Association provides Find a PT to help you search for a physical therapist with these and other credentials near you. Note: There are few physical therapists with an oncology specialty in the United States, so finding one in your area may be challenging. As the newest specialty area in physical therapy, this number is expected to grow.
Physical therapists are movement experts. They improve quality of life through hands-on care, patient education, and prescribed movement. You can see a physical therapist without a physician's referral for evaluation and treatment.*
Learn about board certification in oncologic physical therapy.
*Insurance and corporate policies or state laws may still require a physician's referral or limit treatment scope and duration without a referral. Insurance policies also may limit you to in-network providers.
