With patients at the core of everything we do, Cancer Rehabilitation & Lymphatic Solutions is the first specialist clinic on the Central Coast to offer lymphoedema management and oncology rehab to patients during and after their cancer treatment.

Our goal is to provide the best possible care for our patients and help them achieve optimal health, and our commitment to excellence has made Cancer Rehabilitation & Lymphatic Solutions one of the most trusted names in the industry.

With our cutting-edge technology and experienced team of professionals, we are dedicated to helping people who have undergone surgery and related treatment for cancer to live healthier and more fulfilling lives.

Leading with care and expertise

While state-of-the-art equipment helps, it’s an experienced and passionate therapist that makes patients feel confident in their treatment. Which is why we’re blessed to have Kate Perkins at the helm! Not only is she a Cancer Rehabilitation Occupational Therapist (OT), certified Pinc and Steel Cancer Rehab OT and Lymphoedema Therapist, she’s a leader in the early detection and intervention of Breast Cancer Related Lymphoedema (BCRL) as well.

Kate is the founder of Cancer Rehabilitation and Lymphatic Solutions, OncoLaser™ and Coastal Rehab Hub, and a member of the Australian Lymphology Association (ALA). She regularly attends – and presents at – industry conferences, and in 2022 had a case study published in Lymph Exchange, the professional publication of the ALA. Her hunger for knowledge directly benefits our patients, and she is always looking for innovative treatments and therapies to bring to the Erina clinic.

Kate delivers her services with care and compassion and loves helping her patients return to doing the things they love best following their cancer treatment.

What lymphatic treatments do we offer?

Our lymphatic services are designed to prevent lympheodema from progressing, keeping it under control and improving quality of life.

Our main objective is to assess, treat and manage primary and non-cancer related secondary lymphoedema. For the early detection of BCRL ideally, we will start by completing a baseline Lymphoedema Index (LDex) reading on a healthy limb prior to commencing any cancer treatment. Cancer Rehabilitation & Lymphatic Solutions were an early adopter of Impedimed’s Bioimpedence (BIS) unit, the SOZO in 2017, which allows for the early detection and monitoring of cancer-related lymphoedema symptoms.

Follow-up monitoring will be scheduled, and if we detect early signs of lymphoedema, we move into the treatment stage.

Our lymphoedema treatment options are:

MLS Laser Therapy

The first of its kind on the Central Coast, we are thrilled to offer Photobiomodulation (PBM) Therapy using our OncoLaser ™ techniques with MLS Laser. MLS Laser Therapy alleviates pain and inflammation and enhances healing for patients. It uses pulsed and continuous lightwave lengths simultaneously, which you can’t see or feel, to produce biological effects at a cellular level.

Treatment is non-invasive, and involves no drugs, injections or surgery. It’s also highly effective – between 85 to 90% of patients report significant reduction of their pain, discomfort, inflammation and/or swelling after receiving MLS Laser treatment.

Lymphatic Drainage Massage

Designed to reduce swelling from lymphoedema, a manual lymphatic drainage massage promotes the movement of excess lymph fluid from the swollen limb back to your lymph nodes. It differs from a traditional massage in that it is specifically focused on the lymphatic system. We start by ensuring the unaffected areas are clear, allowing the fluid to successfully move out of the affected area. It’s a slow and rhythmic process, using moderate pressure without the use of oils.

We also offer:

• Combined use of Sequential Intermittent Pneumatic Compression pumps, and MLS Laser
• Patient education relating to how exercise can facilitate increased lymphatic function, importance of skin care, travel precautions, diet, and psychosocial support
• Prescription of compression garments as a preventative and lymphoedema management tool
• Referrals to dietitians, exercise physiologists and other allied health specialists for a full multi-disciplinary approach

Cancer Rehabilitation Services

• Early monitoring for cancer related lymphoedema
• Lymphoedema risk minimisation strategies
• Patient education relating to fatigue management and exercise benefits
• Development of tailored graduated exercise programs
• Scar tissue management
• Breathing techniques
• Postural and movement patterns

Dedicated to giving our patients a better quality of life, Cancer Rehabilitation & Lymphatic Solutions are excited to be leading the way in lymphatic solutions.

Contact us on (02) 4312 7033 to learn more or to schedule an appointment.