Breast cancer

Breast Cancer is the most common cancer in Australia, with 1 in 7 women being diagnosed in their lifetime. 

Physiotherapy is a part of standard care in many Australian breast cancer treatment centres.  Physiotherapists are ready to support and help you manage your health, regardless of the stage of your breast cancer journey.

Prostate cancer

After a diagnosis of prostate cancer, men often have to navigate a 180-degree change in their lifestyle. Juggling ongoing treatments and experiencing treatment-related side effects such as fatigue, loss of muscle strength, fitness, erectile dysfunction and bladder/bowel dysfunction can impact on a person’s quality of life and be overwhelming.

Sexual health

Many men, women, and transgender people are embarrassed to talk about sexual health problems and are not sure where to get help. Problems such as pain around the genitals, not being able to have sex or having pain during sex, experiencing trouble getting aroused or issues with orgasms are common problems and maybe helped with specific physiotherapy.

Parkinson’s disease

Parkinson’s disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder in Australia. It is a disease in which the dopamine-producing cells of the basal ganglia fail, resulting in distinct changes in movement quality. The average age at diagnosis is 65 years, but adults of any age can be affected. In Australia there are approximately 80,000 people living with Parkinson’s disease and about 20% are people of working age. The causes of Parkinson’s disease are still unknown and there are currently no disease-modifying therapies.

Lymphoedema

Lymphoedema is swelling that is caused by a compromised lymphatic system. Along with the network of arteries and veins in our bodies, there is a network of lymphatic vessels shifting lymph fluid (white blood cells, cellular waste products) from the peripheries (muscles, organs) back into the central circulatory system. If the vessels aren't working properly, this lymph fluid backs up in the soft tissues and looks like swelling. Lymphoedema most frequently affects the arms and legs, but can also be present in the groin, trunk, neck, and face. 

Cancer

Cancer is a disease of abnormal, unregulated cellular growth that can lead to the formation of solid tumours in bone or soft tissue, or abnormal cells in the bloodstream (haematological cancers like leukaemia). One in two Australians will be diagnosed with a form of cancer before their 85th birthday. Medical treatment for cancer can include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormonal therapy and immunotherapy. An increasing number of people live with the side effects of cancer and its treatment for many years.

Bowel and bladder health

There are many different types of problems both men and women can have with their bladder, bowels or other pelvic organs. Poor bladder or bowel control, any kind of pelvic pain, and pelvic organ prolapse are the most common problems in this area. Pelvic floor muscles may play an important part in treatment.