Your Path to Recovery: Overcoming Cancer-Related Joint Pain

Pain in my back, knees and hands began after chemotherapy and ramping up my activity level. As part of my recovery I took up golf, but instead of enjoyment I experienced discomfort at every swing, weakness that made it hard to complete a full round and muscle tightness that followed me off the course. I knew I needed expert help to address this complex combination of issues. That is when I discovered OrthoRehab Specialists and their tailored approach to rehabilitation.

Why I Chose OrthoRehab Specialists

I wanted a team that would understand my unique history and my passion for golf. OrthoRehab stood out for their comprehensive physical therapy services, focus on patient goals and proven results in helping golfers return to play. I booked my first evaluation through their contact page and prepared to learn more about how they could help me regain strength, flexibility and confidence.

Comprehensive Initial Evaluation

During my first visit the therapist conducted a thorough interview to review my cancer treatment history, my chemotherapy side effects and the way my body responded when I tried to play golf. We discussed my back pain, knee discomfort and hand stiffness in detail. I was impressed by the depth of the assessment, which included a review of my previous medical records, current imaging reports and lab work. This helped the team understand the full context of my pain and set the stage for a personalized plan of care.

Movement Analysis and Functional Testing

Next came a detailed physical examination. The therapist measured my joint range of motion in the spine, hips, knees and shoulders, and conducted strength tests for my core, quadriceps and grip muscles. Functional movement screens, including single-leg balance tasks and golf swing simulations, revealed specific compensations. We also performed a gait analysis to identify any patterns that might contribute to my discomfort when walking between holes. This objective data provided clear targets for therapy.

Developing My Customized Treatment Plan

Based on the evaluation findings the OrthoRehab team designed a comprehensive program to address pain, restore mobility and rebuild strength. The plan included hands-on manual therapy to mobilize my stiff joints, pain-relieving modalities like cold compression and therapeutic ultrasound, and a progressive exercise regimen. I was given a home exercise program with clear instructions, videos and written cues to ensure I could perform each movement correctly on my own days.

Targeted Manual Therapy and Modalities

My sessions began with manual therapy focused on spinal mobilizations and gentle soft tissue techniques to reduce muscle tightness in my back and hips. My knees and hands received joint mobilizations to improve glide and decrease stiffness. The therapists also applied intermittent cold compression to relieve acute swelling and ultrasound to promote tissue healing. Each modality was carefully chosen based on my treatment response, with ongoing adjustments made to optimize results.

Your Path to Recovery: Overcoming Cancer-Related Joint Pain

Why I Chose OrthoRehab Specialists

I wanted a team that would understand my unique medical history and my passion for golf. OrthoRehab stood out for their comprehensive physical therapy services, focus on patient goals and proven results in helping golfers return to play. Their website explained how they treat back pain, knee pain and hand and wrist conditions. I booked my first evaluation through their contact page and prepared to learn more about how they could help me regain strength, flexibility and confidence on the course and in daily life.

Comprehensive Initial Evaluation

My first visit began with an in-depth patient interview. The therapist reviewed my cancer treatment records, chemotherapy side effects and noted areas of persistent pain. We discussed my goals for daily activities and returning to golf without limitations. They also gathered previous imaging reports and lab work to get a full picture of my musculoskeletal health. This detailed history laid the foundation for a truly personalized plan.

Movement Analysis and Functional Testing

The next step was a thorough physical examination. The therapist measured my spinal range of motion in flexion, extension and rotation. Hip and knee mobility were assessed with goniometry. Grip strength and finger dexterity were tested to evaluate hand function. Functional movement screens included single-leg balance tests and timed up-and-go assessments to identify gait abnormalities.

Since golf demands precise rotation, the team performed a simulated swing analysis. They used video feedback to capture my swing path, weight shift and trunk stability. Identifying compensatory patterns in real time allowed us to target specific movement faults and reduce undue stress on my spine and lower extremities.

Developing My Customized Treatment Plan

Based on the evaluation findings the OrthoRehab team designed a comprehensive program to address pain, restore mobility and rebuild strength. My treatment plan included:

Manual therapy to mobilize stiff joints and release tight soft tissue
Modalities such as cold compression and therapeutic ultrasound for pain relief
Progressive exercise routines for core stabilization, hip and knee strengthening
Hand and finger conditioning to improve grip and dexterity
Golf-specific drills to refine swing mechanics and prevent re-injury
A home exercise program with detailed instructions and video links

Targeted Manual Therapy and Modalities

My sessions began with manual therapy focused on spinal mobilizations to improve vertebral joint glide. My therapist used soft tissue mobilization techniques to reduce tightness in my lumbar paraspinal muscles and hips. For my knees we performed gentle patellar and tibiofemoral joint mobilizations. My hands received joint glides to address stiffness from chemotherapy-induced neuropathy.

To control acute pain and inflammation, the team applied intermittent cold compression to my back and knees. Therapeutic ultrasound provided deep heat to promote blood flow and accelerate tissue healing. Each modality was selected based on daily assessment, so I always felt the session was designed to my current needs.

Strength and Flexibility Exercises

The exercise component of my plan targeted key areas for stability and motion. Core stabilization drills such as bird-dog, side plank and pelvic tilt exercises strengthened my deep trunk muscles to protect my spine. Hip bridges, clamshells and lateral band walks activated my gluteus medius to stabilize my pelvis and reduce knee stress.

Hamstring and calf stretches improved my lower limb flexibility, reducing compensatory patterns when I walked or swung a golf club. My hand program included putty exercises and finger extension drills to rebuild intrinsic muscle strength and improve circulation after chemotherapy-related edema.

Golf-Specific Rehabilitation

Returning to golf safely was a top priority. OrthoRehab introduced a series of golf-specific drills to retrain my swing mechanics. These included:

Slow motion swing repetitions to reinforce proper sequencing
Core rotation exercises with resistance bands to build trunk control
Single-leg balance tasks on foam pads to improve stability
Loaded carry exercises to mimic walking the course with a bag

The therapist used video analysis during these drills so I could see and correct my form immediately. This feedback loop helped me develop efficient movement patterns and avoid common golfing injuries.

Progress Tracking and Ongoing Support

Every few sessions we reviewed objective measures such as range-of-motion improvements, strength gains and pain level reductions on a numeric scale. We also tracked functional outcomes like single-leg balance time and simulated swing speed. Seeing quantifiable progress motivated me to stay consistent with therapy and home exercises.

Between visits I could access educational videos and exercise instructions via their patient portal. When questions arose I contacted my therapist through secure messaging, ensuring I had support whenever I needed it.

Achieving My Recovery Goals

After twelve weeks of dedicated therapy I saw dramatic improvements. My back pain decreased by 70 percent. My knees felt stable when walking uphill and my grip strength returned to near pre-treatment levels. I completed a full 18 holes of golf for the first time in months with no discomfort. The combination of manual therapy, targeted exercises and golf-specific training gave me back the confidence to enjoy my favorite sport.

How to Start Your Path to Pain-Free Performance

If you experience joint pain from cancer treatment or any other cause, OrthoRehab Specialists can help you return to the activities you love. Their services include:

To schedule your initial evaluation visit our contact page or call the Edina office at 952-922-0330. Their Minneapolis clinic can be reached at 612-339-2041. Your personalized program awaits.

Patient Success Stories

My journey is just one example of the transformations that take place at OrthoRehab. Read more about how patients have overcome challenges on their Testimonials page. Whether your goal is to return to sport, reduce chronic pain or improve daily function, you will find a community of support and expertise.

Take the First Step Today

You do not have to live with persistent joint pain or miss out on activities you love. With a dedicated team, data-driven care and continuous support, OrthoRehab Specialists will guide you toward lasting relief and improved performance. Visit Physical Therapy Services for details on all offerings and take control of your health now.