Prehabilitation
Preparing your body before surgery or cancer treatment can change how you recover afterwards.
Care supports people preparing for surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or combined cancer treatments, with the aim of reducing complications, maintaining function, and supporting a smoother recovery.
How Prehabilitation Is Delivered
Individualised, One-on-One Care
Sessions are delivered one-on-one and shaped around your diagnosis, treatment plan, current symptoms, and physical capacity. Care is paced carefully and adjusted as treatment plans evolve.
Oncology-Informed Physiotherapy
Programs are designed with a clear understanding of cancer-related fatigue, pain, neuropathy, bone health, lymphatic risk, and treatment side effects. Exercise and movement choices are made with safety and long-term outcomes in mind.
Care That Adapts Over Time
Prehabilitation is rarely static. Strength, endurance, and tolerance can change leading up to treatment. Programs are reviewed and refined to match how your body is responding.
Evidence-Based and Collaborative
Care is guided by current clinical evidence and, where appropriate, coordinated with your broader medical team to align with surgical or oncology timelines.
Why Prehabilitation Matters
Cancer treatment places significant physical demands on the body. Entering treatment with reduced strength, low fitness, or existing pain can impact recovery and independence afterwards.
Prehabilitation aims to:
- Improve baseline strength and cardiovascular capacity
- Maintain mobility and function
- Reduce treatment-related deconditioning
- Support confidence and body trust before treatment begins
Research shows that people who are physically prepared before treatment often experience better functional outcomes and a smoother recovery trajectory.
What Prehabilitation May Include
Care is tailored to your needs and may include:
- Targeted strength and resistance training
- Aerobic conditioning suited to your capacity
- Mobility and flexibility work
- Breathing and fatigue management strategies
- Education around pacing, recovery, and self-management
- Guidance around activity levels before and during treatment
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.
01Initial Assessment
Your first appointment focuses on understanding your diagnosis, planned treatment, current physical capacity, symptoms, and concerns. Movement, strength, balance, and functional tasks are assessed to establish a clear baseline.
02Individualised Management Plan
A tailored plan is developed to address specific goals such as maintaining strength, improving stamina, or managing pain before treatment begins.
03Ongoing Review and Adjustment
Programs are reviewed regularly to ensure they remain appropriate as treatment approaches or symptoms change.
04Support Into Treatment
Prehabilitation can transition into rehabilitation support once treatment begins, providing continuity of care and familiar guidance.
Brisbane-Based Prehabilitation Care
Prehabilitation appointments are available in-clinic at Brisbane Health Connect in Tarragindi. Care is delivered in a quiet, professional clinical environment with lift access and accessible parking available onsite.
Questions People Often Ask Before Starting
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a referral to book an appointment?
A referral is not required to book. A GP referral may be needed if you plan to claim a Medicare rebate under a Chronic Disease Management Plan.
When should prehabilitation start?
Care can begin as soon as a treatment plan is known. Even a short period of preparation before treatment can be beneficial.
Can prehabilitation continue into treatment?
Yes. Support can continue during treatment and transition into rehabilitation as needed.
Is prehabilitation suitable if I already feel unwell or fatigued?
Programs are adapted to your current capacity and symptoms. Care focuses on what is safe and achievable for your body right now.
Here When You’re Ready to Begin
Appointments are available in-clinic at Brisbane Health Connect in Tarragindi, with telehealth offered where appropriate. On-site parking is available, with additional street parking nearby and lift access within the building.
If you’re preparing for treatment and want support that is considered, personalised, and oncology-informed, appointments can be booked online or by contacting the clinic directly.