Oncology - Supportive Care Services

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Nutrition & Dietitian Services

At Avita, we understand that good nutrition is a vital part of cancer care. Our certified oncology dietitians work closely with patients and families to provide personalized nutrition support throughout every stage of treatment and recovery.

Expertise You Can Trust

Our registered dietitians are specially trained in oncology nutrition, with the knowledge and experience to address the unique dietary needs of people undergoing cancer treatment. Whether you’re managing side effects, maintaining strength, or recovering after therapy, we’re here to help you feel your best.

Personalized Support for Every Patient

No two patients are alike—and neither are their nutritional needs. We offer individualized nutrition plans tailored to your diagnosis, treatment plan, and personal preferences. Our services include:

• Managing treatment-related side effects like nausea, loss of appetite, and taste changes
• Weight maintenance and healthy eating during and after treatment
• Guidance for special diets (low-fiber, diabetic, heart-healthy, etc.)
• Nutritional support for survivors and long-term wellness
• Safe use of supplements and nutrition products

Whether you’re newly diagnosed, in active treatment, or focused on survivorship, our dietitians are available to support you with practical strategies, emotional encouragement, and trusted resources.

Our nutrition team is here to empower you with the tools and knowledge you need to nourish your body, support healing, and improve quality of life.

Physical & Occupational Therapy

Our physical and occupational therapy services help patients regain strength, mobility, and independence during and after cancer treatment. Cancer and its therapies can affect balance, endurance, and daily function—but with personalized rehabilitation and compassionate support, recovery is within reach.

Restoring Strength, Function, and Confidence

Our physical therapists specialize in helping patients manage fatigue, weakness, pain, and balance challenges that may occur after surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation. Through individualized exercise programs and evidence-based rehabilitation techniques, they help you safely rebuild endurance, flexibility, and physical strength.

Supporting Daily Living and Independence

Our occupational therapists focus on restoring the ability to perform meaningful daily activities—such as dressing, cooking, returning to work, or resuming favorite hobbies. They offer adaptive strategies, energy conservation techniques, and equipment recommendations to promote comfort and independence.

A Personalized, Compassionate Approach

Each rehabilitation plan is uniquely designed around your diagnosis, treatment history, and personal goals. Whether you’re managing lymphedema after breast surgery, recovering from surgery, or addressing neuropathy or mobility changes, our therapists provide expert, empathetic care that supports your whole-person recovery.

Collaboration and Whole-Person Care

Our therapists work closely with oncologists, surgeons, and nurse navigators to ensure a coordinated and seamless experience. Together, we focus not just on restoring physical strength—but also on enhancing confidence, independence, and quality of life.

Speech Therapy Services

Speech therapy is an important part of supportive care for patients who experience changes in speech, voice, or swallowing during or after cancer treatment. These challenges can result from surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or tumors affecting the head, neck, or brain.

Our certified speech-language pathologists specialize in oncology rehabilitation and work closely with each patient to restore function, improve comfort, and enhance quality of life.

Treatment may include:

• Swallowing Therapy: Exercises and techniques to make eating and drinking safer and more comfortable.
• Speech and Voice Rehabilitation: Strategies to strengthen speech clarity, voice quality, and communication confidence.
• Cognitive-Communication Support: Help with memory, attention, and problem-solving changes that can occur during treatment.
• Education and Home Programs: Personalized guidance for patients and caregivers to continue progress at home.

Through individualized care, our speech therapy team helps patients regain independence, improve safety with eating and speaking, and maintain meaningful communication throughout their cancer journey.

Lymphedema Services

Comprehensive Care for Swelling and Comfort

Our lymphedema program provides specialized therapy for individuals experiencing swelling of the arms, legs, neck or other areas following cancer treatment. Lymphedema can develop after surgery, radiation, or lymph node removal, and early evaluation and treatment can make a significant difference in comfort, mobility, and long-term health.

Our Approach

Our certified lymphedema therapists use evidence-based techniques to reduce swelling, improve circulation, and restore function. Each treatment plan is tailored to the patient’s unique needs and may include:

• Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD): Gentle massage to encourage fluid movement.
• Compression therapy: Fitting and use of bandaging, garments or therapeutic devices to prevent fluid buildup.
• Therapeutic exercise: Targeted movement to promote lymph flow and strength.
• Skin care education: Preventing infection and maintaining skin health.
• Self-care training: Empowering patients to manage symptoms confidently at home.

Collaborative Support

Our lymphedema team works closely with oncologists, surgeons, and rehabilitation specialists to ensure coordinated, holistic care. Whether symptoms are mild or advanced, our goal is to help patients regain comfort, function, and confidence in daily life.

Getting Started

Our lymphedema team works at Bucyrus and Galion in the Avita Wound Center and outpatient therapy department, Monday through Friday.  Ask your healthcare team about a referral to our lymphedema team.  To schedule an evaluation or learn more about our lymphedema services, please contact our physical therapy team at:

Avita Therapy and Sports Medicine