Oncology Rehabilitation & Lymphedema in Vellore

Cancer treatment saves lives but often leaves lasting effects — fatigue, deconditioning, lymphedema, painful scars, restricted shoulder movement after breast surgery, and chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. Structured rehabilitation before, during and after cancer treatment (prehab, oncorehab, survivorship) has strong evidence for improving function, reducing side effects and — for some cancers — improving survival.

At Dr. Karolin Rockson PT in Vellore, our oncology rehabilitation service supports patients through and after cancer treatment at CMC Vellore and other regional oncology centres. We provide complete decongestive therapy for lymphedema (the WHO-recommended gold standard), post-mastectomy shoulder rehab, exercise programmes calibrated to chemo-cycle timing, neuropathy management and palliative physiotherapy where cure is not the goal.

Care is coordinated with your oncologist. Sessions are gentle where required, progressive where possible, and always paced to how you feel that day rather than a fixed protocol.

CMC Vellore is one of India's largest cancer treatment centres. Patients travel from across South India for treatment, and many return home before completing rehabilitation. Our clinic offers a bridge — starting oncorehab locally in Vellore during treatment and transitioning patients back to their home city with a written plan.

Lymphedema care in India is patchy. Certified complete-decongestive-therapy (CDT) training and consistent long-term compression-garment supply are not always available outside metros. We provide the WHO-recommended pathway locally.

Certified lymphedema pathway: we follow the International Lymphoedema Framework standards — a 3–4 week intensive phase (daily manual lymphatic drainage + short-stretch bandaging + exercise + skin care), then a maintenance phase with prescribed compression garments and self-management.

Post-mastectomy shoulder rehab: axillary web syndrome (cording), scar adhesion, and adhesive-capsulitis-like stiffness are common. Early identification (usually 4–8 weeks post-op) and appropriate scar work resolve most cases within 6–8 weeks.

Cording: firm cord-like structures under the axilla or arm after axillary clearance. Gentle sustained stretching, myofascial release, and progressive range work typically resolve cording in 2–6 weeks.

Chemo-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN): particularly with platinums, taxanes and vinca alkaloids. Sensory retraining, balance work, structured strength training and meticulous foot care reduce falls and preserve function. Duloxetine coordinated with your oncologist.

Cancer-related fatigue is different from tiredness — it does not resolve with sleep. Structured exercise (aerobic + resistance) has stronger evidence than any medication for cancer-related fatigue.

Prehabilitation: for patients awaiting cancer surgery, 4–6 weeks of pre-op exercise, breathing work and nutritional prep reduces post-op complications and shortens hospital stay. We coordinate with the surgical team.

Palliative physiotherapy respects goals of care. Focus shifts to comfort, dignity, meaningful activity, safe transfers and family teaching. Home visits are standard for palliative cases.

Evidence base: exercise oncology guidelines (ACSM 2019, ESMO 2021) recommend structured exercise for all cancer survivors. CDT for lymphedema (Cochrane, ILF). Post-mastectomy early mobilisation reduces shoulder stiffness (multiple RCTs).