Woman’s Hospital introduces the region’s only certified cancer rehabilitation program to help patients heal faster and better: the Survivorship Training and Rehabilitation Program (STAR Program®).
Cancer treatments like chemotherapy, radiation and surgery can save lives, but they can also cause side effects like fatigue, weakness, insomnia, memory loss, fear, anxiety and depression that interfere with daily function and well-being. The STAR Program is a nationally recognized cancer survivorship program that helps survivors heal physically and emotionally.
Woman’s STAR certification, from the Massachusetts-based Oncology Rehab Partners, included an intensive training program for clinicians, including physicians, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech and swallowing therapists, audiologists, registered dietitians, mental health professionals and others; the team works together with each patient on a personalized rehabilitation plan. Their goals are to increase strength and energy, alleviate pain, improve physical function, achieve emotional balance and boost the immune system.
All of the services integrated in the STAR Program, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and mental health counseling are typically covered by health insurance.
“Woman’s STAR program is open to everyone, no matter the prognosis, cancer stage or phase of recovery,” said Michelle Spear, physical therapist. “Newly diagnosed patients may want to increase their strength and endurance; survivors living with cancer as a chronic disease may need help managing treatment-related conditions; and individuals who are cured or in remission may wish to boost their immune systems.”