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Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Cancer Rehabilitation

The Johns Hopkins Cancer Rehabilitation Program aims to help cancer patients overcome the effects of cancer and treatment on daily function and quality of life. Whether you are newly diagnosed or long finished with treatment, our team can create a custom rehabilitation plan to address your symptoms and daily challenges.

On This Page

Team | Why Choose Johns Hopkins | Our Approach | Conditions We Treat

Schedule An Appointment

Schedule by phone

Physician appointments: 443-997-5476

Therapy appointments:
Maryland clinics except Bayview: 443-997-5476
Johns Hopkins Bayview: 410-550-0414
Sibley Memorial Hospital: 202-364-7665

Schedule online through MyChart

Cancer Rehabilitation: Why Choose Johns Hopkins

  • Our multidisciplinary team includes rehabilitation physicians, therapists and psychologists experienced in working with cancer patients and their families.
  • Thanks to our close partnership with the Johns Hopkins Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, we can provide seamless transition from treatment to rehabilitation for patients with breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, head and neck cancer, leukemia and many other oncologic conditions.
  • We use innovative, noninvasive technologies that allow us diagnose and treat lymphedema (swelling) in early stages, address speech and swallowing difficulties and help you regain strength and mobility to the highest degree possible.
  • We offer several convenient locations in Baltimore, including The Johns Hopkins Hospital, the Skip Viragh Outpatient Cancer Building and Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center. Our therapists and physicians are also available in several community clinics and hospitals in Maryland and at Sibley Memorial Hospital in Washington, D.C.

Cancer-Related Symptoms and Conditions We Help You Manage

  • Cognitive difficulties, including problems with memory, concentration, attention, learning new skills and concerns of patient safety
  • Physical difficulties, including decline in balance, difficulty walking, poor endurance, muscle spasms, weakness, fatigue, or adjustment to wearing a prosthetic
  • Emotional effects of cancer, including stress and anxiety
  • Uncomfortable sensations, including pain, joint stiffness and reduced range of motion, and numbness in hands and feet (peripheral neuropathy)
  • Bowel and bladder issues
  • Radiation fibrosis: thickening of connective tissue
  • Lymphedema and edema
  • Scar tissue restriction following surgery
  • Swallowing disorders and voice/speech difficulties
  • Osteoporosis (low bone density)
  • Impaired sleep

Rehabilitation After Cancer Treatment Q&A

Physical therapist Laurie Fitz discusses some of the ways cancer rehabilitation can help people pursue their desired lifestyle despite physical or other limitations caused by cancer or cancer treatment.

Watch on YouTube -

Our Comprehensive Approach to Cancer Rehabilitation

It takes expertise and experience of several specialists to address all of your cancer-related symptoms and challenges. Our goal is to help you stay active and maintain the best quality of life possible before, during and years after chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery and other cancer treatments.
  • Our rehabilitation physicians are experts in creating programs tailored to your needs and health goals.
  • Our physical therapists can help you address fatigue, weakness, pain, lack of balance and similar symptoms related to cancer.
  • Our occupational therapists focus on helping you participate in daily activities such as dressing and bathing, while strengthening your fine motor skills, saving energy, and improving memory and sight.

Pediatric Cancer Rehabilitation

At the Johns Hopkins Children’s Center, we believe cancer survival begins at diagnosis and stress the importance of including physical and occupational therapy in the cancer treatment process. Our therapists work closely with the medical team to provide continuous care from inpatient admissions to outpatient follow-up.

Our physical therapists specialize in vincristine-related neuropathy and its effects on your child’s ability to walk and climb stairs. While addressing tripping and other safety concerns, we also aim to decrease the overall side effects of cancer treatment, helping your child be active, strong and able to play and participate in recreational activities with friends and family as much as possible.

Learn more about or pediatrics rehabilitation services
Pediatric occupational therapist helping a child jump

Our Cancer Rehabilitation Team

Our Physicians

Our Therapists

Opalyn DeVera | Physical Therapist

Certifications: Certified Lymphedema Therapist
Expertise: lymphedema, oncology
Location: Lutherville
headshot of Opalyn DeVera

Karen Dobbs | Physical Therapist

Expertise: oncology, pelvic health
Location: Odenton
headshot of Karen Dobbs

Susanne Faux | Physical Therapist

Certifications: Certified Lymphedema Therapist
Expertise: breast cancer, falls/balance, lymphedema
Location: Columbia
headshot of Susanne Faux

Marissa Feinsilver | Physical Therapist

Expertise: breast cancer, oncology deconditioning, orthopedics, wheelchair seating and positioning
Location: Baltimore
headshot of Marissa Feinsilver

Julie Finocchiaro | Physical Therapist, Clinical Specialist

Certifications: Board-Certified Orthopedic Physical Therapist, Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists
Expertise: orthopedics - neck and spine, breast cancer
Location: Odenton
headshot of Julie Finocchiaro

Laurie Fitz | Physical Therapist, Clinical Resource Analyst

Certifications: Certified Lymphedema Therapist
Expertise: breast cancer, lymphedema, oncology deconditioning
Location: Baltimore
headshot of Laurie Fitz

Amanda Greene (She/Her/Hers) | Physical Therapist, Clinical Specialist

Certifications: Certified Orthopedic Manual Therapist, Board-Certified Orthopedic Physical Therapist
Expertise: breast cancer, orthopedics, performing arts - dancer/musician
Location: Lutherville
Amanda Greene

Dawn Kutcher | Occupational Therapist

Certifications: Board-Certified Hand Therapist, Certified Lymphedema Therapist
Expertise: breast cancer, hand therapy, lymphedema, orthopedics - upper extremity, orthotic fabrication
Location: White Marsh
headshot of Dawn Kutcher

Ed Lyons | Physical Therapist

Expertise: amputee and prosthetics training, neurologic rehabilitation, oncology, orthopedics
Location: Baltimore
headshot of Ed Lyons

Kathy McGinty | Physical Therapist Assistant

Certifications: Certified Lymphedema Therapist
Expertise: breast cancer, lymphedema, oncology, oncology deconditioning
Location: Lutherville
headshot of Kathy McGinty

Amanda McQueen | Physical Therapist, Rehab Therapy Manager

Certifications: Certified Lymphedema Therapist
Expertise: breast cancer, lymphedema, oncology deconditioning, orthopedics
Locations: Columbia and Odenton
headshot of Amanda McQueen

Kimberly Middleton | Physical Therapist, Team Coordinator

Certifications: Certified Lymphedema Therapist
Expertise: breast cancer, lymphedema, oncology
Location: Columbia
headshot of Kimberly Middleton

Jennifer Nicholas | Occupational Therapist, Rehab Therapy Manager

Certifications: Board-Certified Hand Therapist, Certified Lymphedema Therapist
Expertise: breast cancer, hand therapy, lymphedema, oncology, orthopedics - upper extremity, orthotic fabrication
Location: Lutherville
headshot of Jennifer Nicholas

Rachel Pigott (She/Her/Hers) | Occupational Therapist, Hand Therapy Fellowship Coordinator

Certifications: Board-Certified Hand Therapist, Certified Lymphedema Therapist
Expertise: breast cancer, hand therapy, lymphedema, oncology, orthopedics - upper extremity, orthosis fabrication
Location: Lutherville and White Marsh
headshot of Rachel Pigott

Heather Prender | Physical Therapist

Certifications: Certified Lymphedema Therapist, Certified Oncology Rehabilitation Specialist
Expertise: breast cancer, lymphedema, oncology deconditioning
Location: Lutherville
headshot of Heather Prender

Jyo Supnekar | Occupational Therapist, Clinical Specialist

Certifications: Board-Certified Hand Therapist, Certified Lymphedema Therapist, certified in neurodevelopmental treatment for stroke
Expertise: breast cancer, hand therapy, lymphedema, neurologic rehabilitation, oncology, orthopedics - upper extremity, orthotic fabrication
Location: White Marsh
headshot of Jyo Supnekar

Nicole Tannahill | Physical Therapist

Certifications: Certified Lymphedema Therapist
Expertise: lymphedema, oncology, orthopedics, total joint rehabilitation
Location: Odenton
headshot of Nicole Tannahill

Find a Therapist in Washington, D.C.

The Sibley Center for Rehabilitation Medicine offers outpatient and inpatient therapy services. Our experts use the latest rehabilitation tools and practice patient-centered care to help you achieve the best outcomes.

Learn more

Tour the Skip Viragh Outpatient Cancer Building

The Skip Viragh outpatient cancer clinic represents the future of cancer medicine and is designed as a hub of comprehensive services and clinical research, bringing the very best treatment plan and supportive care to each patient. Our cancer rehabilitation space is on the 10th floor and features the latest in therapy equipment, along with panoramic views of Baltimore.

Watch on YouTube -