Side Effect Management
One-on-one lymphoedema therapy in Brisbane, shaped around you.
Care focuses on supporting recovery from cancer treatment side effects, helping restore comfort, function, and confidence while respecting where your body is right now.
How Care Is Delivered
Side effect management is delivered through individual, one-on-one physiotherapy informed by oncology rehabilitation and guided by your treatment history, symptoms, and goals.
Specialist, Informed Support
Care is provided by an APA Titled Cancer and Lymphoedema Physiotherapist with advanced training in oncology rehabilitation and complex treatment-related presentations.
Care That Adapts Over Time
Side effects often change across treatment, recovery, and survivorship. Care plans are reviewed and adjusted as symptoms evolve, capacity improves, or new challenges emerge.
Evidence-Based and Collaborative
Treatment is guided by current clinical evidence and, where appropriate, coordinated with your broader medical team to support safe, integrated care in Brisbane.
Telehealth Appointments Available
Telehealth sessions may be suitable for education, exercise guidance, monitoring, or support when in-clinic appointments are not appropriate.
Understanding Treatment Side Effects
Cancer treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy can affect the body in lasting and sometimes unexpected ways. Side effects may appear during treatment or develop months or years later.
Common treatment-related side effects include:
- Persistent fatigue or reduced stamina
- Pain or sensitivity
- Muscle weakness or deconditioning
- Joint stiffness or reduced mobility
- Balance or coordination changes
- Nerve-related symptoms such as tingling or numbness
- Reduced confidence with movement or daily tasks
Side effects can impact daily function, independence, and quality of life. Targeted physiotherapy can help address these changes safely and progressively.
What Side Effect Management May Include
Care is tailored to your individual experience and may include:
- Assessment of treatment-related physical changes
- Gentle, graded exercise to rebuild strength and endurance
- Pain management strategies
- Movement retraining and mobility support
- Fatigue management and pacing strategies
- Education to support confidence and self-management
- Guidance for returning to daily activities, work, or exercise
Treatment is delivered one-on-one in a calm Brisbane clinic setting, with time to discuss concerns and adjust care as needed.
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.
Side effect management follows a structured, considered process. Care is individual, appropriately paced, and adapted over time, recognising that treatment-related side effects can change during recovery and survivorship.
01Initial Assessment
The first appointment focuses on understanding your cancer treatment history, current side effects, and how these are affecting daily life. Assessment may include movement, strength, fatigue levels, pain, balance, or nerve-related symptoms, alongside discussion around comfort, concerns, and goals.
02Individualised Management Plan
A personalised plan is developed based on your symptoms, priorities, and current capacity. Care may focus on restoring movement, managing pain or fatigue, rebuilding strength, or improving confidence with daily activities.
03Ongoing Review and Adjustment
Progress is reviewed regularly and care is adjusted as side effects improve, fluctuate, or new challenges arise. This flexible approach supports recovery while respecting changes in energy, tolerance, and overall health.
04Long-Term Support
Support continues through recovery and survivorship where needed. The focus remains on sustainable function, self-management strategies, and long-term confidence in movement and daily life.
Brisbane-Based Side Effect Management Physiotherapy
Side effect management 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 in Tarragindi, with telehealth offered where appropriate. On-site parking is available, with additional street parking nearby and lift access within the building.
When you’re ready to take the next step, appointments can be booked online or by contacting the clinic directly.