Cancer Rehabilitation
Care focuses on restoring movement, strength, and confidence following cancer treatment, while supporting long-term function and quality of life through recovery and survivorship.
How Care Is Delivered
Cancer rehabilitation is delivered through considered, one-on-one physiotherapy that recognises the physical and emotional impact of cancer treatment. Care is tailored to where you are in your treatment or recovery journey and adapts as your capacity changes over time.
Specialist, Informed Support
Care is provided by an APA Titled Cancer and Lymphoedema Physiotherapist with advanced training in oncology rehabilitation. Treatment considers treatment history, side effects, and medical complexity to ensure safe, appropriate progression.
Care That Adapts Over Time
Rehabilitation needs change throughout treatment, recovery, and survivorship. Treatment plans are regularly reviewed and adjusted to reflect fatigue levels, healing, and individual goals.
Evidence-Based and Collaborative
Care is guided by current clinical evidence and, where appropriate, coordinated with your broader medical team to support continuity of care.
Telehealth Appointments Available
Telehealth sessions may be used for education, exercise guidance, monitoring, and support when in-clinic appointments are not suitable.
Understanding Cancer Rehabilitation
Cancer rehabilitation supports people experiencing physical changes related to cancer treatment, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, and hormone therapy. These changes can affect strength, mobility, endurance, balance, and confidence in movement.
Rehabilitation plays an important role in helping people regain function, manage symptoms, and feel more capable in daily life.
Common challenges addressed through cancer rehabilitation include:
- Fatigue and reduced stamina
- Loss of strength or muscle mass
- Reduced mobility or joint stiffness
- Pain related to surgery or treatment
- Balance or coordination changes
- Difficulty returning to daily activities, work, or exercise
Early and appropriate rehabilitation can support recovery and help reduce the long-term impact of treatment.
What Cancer Rehabilitation May Include
Care is individualised and may include:
- Assessment of movement, strength, and functional capacity
- Gentle, progressive exercise prescription
- Support following cancer-related surgery
- Pain management strategies
- Education around pacing, fatigue, and recovery
- Guidance for returning to activity, work, or exercise
- Ongoing monitoring and adjustment of care
Treatment is delivered one-on-one in a calm Brisbane clinic environment, with time to address questions and concerns.
What Is The Pentimento Project
The Pentimento Project provides Brisbane-based physiotherapy care for people navigating cancer treatment, recovery, and survivorship. Care is shaped by specialist oncology training and lived understanding of the physical challenges that can follow treatment.
Support focuses on restoring trust in the body, improving function, and helping people move forward with confidence.
Our Experience & Training
Care at The Pentimento Project is delivered by an experienced physiotherapist with advanced training in cancer rehabilitation and lymphoedema management.
Julie Allen holds APA Titling in Cancer and Lymphoedema Physiotherapy and has over 15 years of clinical experience across rehabilitation, pain management, and complex physical presentations.
- APA Titled Cancer and Lymphoedema Physiotherapist
- Over 15 years of clinical physiotherapy experience
- Bachelor of Physiotherapy (First Class Honours), The University of Queensland
- Member, Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA)
- Sports physiotherapist with elite and state-level sporting teams
Clinical Leadership & Founder
Julie Allen is the founder of The Pentimento Project, her professional focus shifted following her own diagnosis and treatment for Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Despite extensive clinical experience, Julie experienced first-hand the physical deconditioning, pain, and uncertainty that can follow cancer treatment, and the lack of structured rehabilitation support available at that stage.
Cancer rehabilitation follows a structured, supportive process. Care is individual, appropriately paced, and adapted as treatment, recovery, and capacity change over time.
01Initial Assessment
Your first appointment focuses on understanding your cancer treatment history, current symptoms, and functional concerns. Assessment includes observation of movement, strength, endurance, and discussion around goals and priorities.
02Individualised Management Plan
A tailored rehabilitation plan is developed based on your needs, treatment history, and current capacity. Exercises and strategies are selected to support recovery without overloading the body.
03Ongoing Review and Adjustment
Progress is regularly reviewed and care adjusted in response to changes in symptoms, fatigue, or recovery.
04Long-Term Support
Support may continue through survivorship, with guidance to maintain strength, confidence, and long-term function.
Brisbane-Based Cancer Rehabilitation Physiotherapy
Cancer rehabilitation appointments are available at Brisbane Health Connect, located within Brisbane Medical Specialists in Tarragindi.
Do I need a referral to book an appointment?
A referral is not required to book an appointment. A GP referral may be needed if you plan to claim a Medicare rebate under a Chronic Disease Management Plan.
Do you offer telehealth appointments?
Telehealth appointments are available for education, exercise guidance, monitoring, and ongoing support where appropriate. Initial assessments and hands-on treatment are usually provided in-clinic.
What happens at the first appointment?
The first appointment focuses on understanding your cancer treatment history, lymphoedema symptoms, and how these are affecting daily life. Time is taken to assess swelling, movement, and function, and to discuss a suitable management plan.
Can I claim a Medicare rebate for lymphoedema therapy?
Medicare rebates may be available with a valid GP referral under a Chronic Disease Management Plan. Private health rebates may also apply depending on your level of cover.
Here When You’re Ready to Begin
Appointments are available in-clinic at Brisbane Health Connect, with telehealth offered where appropriate. Accessible parking and lift access are available within the building. When you’re ready to take the next step, appointments can be booked online or by contacting the clinic directly.