Physical Therapy in Care Treatment
There is robust research showing that physical therapy can help in the following ways:
- Speed functional recovery after surgery
- Reduce and eliminate pain
- Improve and maintain muscle strength
- Maximize and maintain range of motion following surgery
- Reduce chemo-related fatigue
- Prevent lymphedema
- Improve cardiovascular and cardiopulmonary fitness
- Prevent formation of scar tissue
- Improve sleep
- Improve or maintain positive quality of life
Cancer Specialists in Northern California
Our Physical Therapists
Sharon Leslie PT, DPT is a physical therapist specializing in cancer rehabilitation. She helps patients cope with the side effects of cancer treatment. Her practice focuses on working with patients throughout cancer treatment and through their recovery to transition into a greater state of wellness and health. She is one of the very talented cancer specialists in Northern California you can meet with through Palo Alto Medical Foundation.
Sharon Leslie received her masters degree in Physical Therapy from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis in 1998 and went on to complete a post-professional doctorate in Physical Therapy at the same institution, studying with internationally renowned faculty in the field of musculoskeletal imbalance.
She lectures throughout the Bay Area, helping physicians and patients gain more awareness of the importance of physical activity and rehabilitation as part of comprehensive cancer care.
Sharon Leslie is one of the many cancer specialists in Northern California.
Rachel Peters, MSPT, is a 1997 graduate of Stanford University's Program in Human Biology, and a 2000 graduate of the Master's Program in Physical Therapy at Columbia University. Since returning to the bay area, she has worked in several private clinics providing care to both the orthopedic and oncologic population. Rachel has taken advanced course work in manual therapy, lymphedema prevention and management, and rehabilitation of the injured athlete.
Rachel has been certified to teach by the Pilate's Method Alliance, and has been teaching Pilate's within both the rehabilitation and fitness communities since 2004. A former dancer and gymnast, her professional interests revolve around helping patients attain the greatest level of function possible, whether that involves a return to pain-free daily activities, or to high-level athletics.
In her spare time, Rachel enjoys distance running, cooking, and spending time with her husband and young son.
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"The majority of my clientele tends to be breast cancer patients who are struggling with pain, musculoskeletal imbalance, deconditioning and fatigue resulting from surgery, adjuvant therapy and reconstruction," said Dr. Leslie. "My goal is to get patient back to a healthy and active lifestyle, as well as potentially open them up to new possibilities to improve their health and well being through exercise and activity."