Active PT & Sports

Lymphedema and Cancer Care

Get a FREE Pain Or Injury Screening

A free pain or injury screening gives you the opportunity to meet with one of our physical therapists at no charge. Learn more about your condition, get a fast assessment of the severity, and learn treatment options.

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What Is Lymphedema After Cancer?

After breast cancer, it is not unusual to experience swelling in the arms, chest, and neck. If you have had at least one lymph node removed during your cancer treatment, you have a 4% risk of developing lymphedema in your lifetime. Lymphedema is the accumulation of protein-rich fluid, which commonly occurs in the arms or hands following lymph node treatment. It’s important to note that lipidema is the abnormal accumulation of fat cells, while lipolymphedema is the occurrence of both conditions together. Our lymphedema specialist has completed over 200 hours of additional education in rehabilitating patients with lymphedema after cancer.

Common Symptoms We Treat After Breast Cancer and/or Reconstructive Surgery

Swelling or heaviness after breast cancer treatment
Fatigue after breast cancer
Arm stiffness
Axillary cording
Capsular contractures

Specialized Physical Therapy Treatment for Lymphedema Swelling After Breast Cancer

Complete decongestive therapy (CDT) treatment
Compression therapy
Manual lymphatic drainage massage (MLD)
Therapeutic exercises
Self-care and skin care education

When to Seek Treatment

New onset heaviness in the arm
Jewelry is not fitting properly
New or worsening arm stiffness or weakness
If you have been treated for breast cancer and believe you may be experiencing lymphedema
Don’t wait until after reconstructive surgery to seek treatment – the sooner you begin, the better!

Key Benefits of Physical Therapy for Lymphedema Treatment After Cancer

Decrease swelling
Improve arm mobility and strength
Improve wound healing and reduce infection risk
Improve energy levels
Improve quality of life
Learn strategies to self-manage swelling and cancer treatment side effects

Don’t let cancer treatment stop you from enjoying your favorite hobbies, playing with your grandkids, or living life to the fullest. Schedule a free 15-minute screening today to see if lymphedema treatment is right for you.

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Clinicians who help with Lymphedema and Cancer Care

Our clinical team focuses on your goals to help you achieve success. The team includes physical therapists and physical therapy assistants who are specially trained to help get you back to the life you love. Many of our clinicians are board certified orthopedic clinical specialists. We don’t just hand you a packet of exercises and expect you to fix yourself. Instead, we provide a hands-on approach to care in order to get you the best possible results. When you receive care from one of our clinicians, we hope to exceed your expectations.

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Kristi Taraba

Get Help With Lymphedema and Cancer Care

Learn how to manage your swelling and improve arm stiffness and weakness after cancer treatment with our lymphedema care after cancer program. Enjoy the privacy of one on one care from a specialist who understands your problem and is eager to help.

Rochester – South

1309 Salem Rd SW
Rochester, MN 55902

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Happy Patients

					Courtney and Madison did an amazing job at giving my shoulder mobility again. They were so positive and motivating. They were always considerate and understanding of my pain and sometimes lack of time to do the exercises. They know their stuff!				
K. P.
11/26/2024
					Active PT has been an important part of my recovery and good health. Each session was informative and always encouraging. I would go nowhere else. To me, Active PT is operated with integrity, compassion and the highest level of skills.				
D. Z.
9/17/2024
					All the staff I had contact with at Active PT were great! I mostly worked with Courtney H to help get back from a knee injury. She has plenty of personal experience and knowledge in fitness, Crossfit specifically, and it translates to her care. The dry needling and rehab movements did the trick. I've recovered well thanks to her.				
N. B.
2/01/2024
					Brittney is a kind, compassionate therapist who genuinely cared about helping get my shoulder back to normal. She was flexible with scheduling and was accommodating around my work hours. I appreciated her overall positivity and expertise and I would recommend her to anyone with shoulder issues.				
B. M.
2/01/2024
					I cannot recommend ActivePT highly enough. Everyone from Connie and Anahi at the front desk to Andrew Z. and Adam S. who treated my rotator cuff injury, I experienced superb professional care over the past couple of months! My strength / mobility has returned to normal, and my shoulder is pain-free and feels better than ever!! Thanks ActivePT !!				
A.
11/30/2023
					I came to Active Pt with several areas of concern. Through my work with Hunter R, a successful treatment plan was developed. My function and mobility have greatly increased. Hunter’s attention to detail and ability to communicate each step in the process made the visits valuable. The staff is pleasant and helpful. I definitely recommend this practice.				
K. S.
11/15/2023
					enjoyed working with Active PT, Hunter and Megan. I thought for sure I was going to need surgery to heal my shoulders. Hunter and Megan had me do exercises, stretching and lifting. After several weeks i was feeling great, back to my old self. no medicines or surgery.				
B. W.
8/29/2023
					Hunter was a tremendous help to me with my ongoing pain. He reviewed options and exercises during each session. I am finished with PT and thanks to Hunter, I have numerous exercises to continue on my own. Everyone at Active PT has been great.				
G.
8/22/2023
					After having my knee replaced I set up therapy with Active PT in Preston, Mn. Both Mike and Johnny are passionate at what they do and were phenomenal working with me to get my knee up to par again! Therapy is a lot of work, and often I said……Healing hurts, but in a good way!! Thank you guys!!				
N. H.
6/07/2023
					I recently received PT from Hunter S due to arthritis in my thumbs. I found the therapy and the at home exercises to be very helpful in reducing the pain in my hands. The facility (located in the RAC) is very nice. Hunter was an excellent therapist.				
C. M.
5/27/2023
					Arrived limping in pain and after a few short weeks I left doing the bunny hop.  Thanks Hunter, the torture (just kidding) was sooo worth it.  Went to my gym this morning to continue the curcuit you created for me.				
P. T.
4/21/2023
					After 3 months of consistent back and shoulder pain I made a visit to Active PT. Within a few appointments I was back to my full potential and pain free - I wish I would have visited them sooner! The staff are personable, friendly, and hands down amazing. Thank you Active PT 🙂				
E. K.
12/29/2022
					I love active PT…….. they have helped me for years with a variety of problems. From back problems to vertigo and now getting care for TMJ. With acupuncture and some manipulation. A very friendly and helpful atmosphere, they are the best!				
D. L.
10/11/2022
					I was very satisfied with all aspects of ACTIVE PT. When entering to be called on a first name was very welcoming. I now have no pain in my knee. The dry needling was amazing. This was a good experience with a great physical therapist Hunter.				
J. L.
9/12/2022
					went to pelvic floor PT here with Kaylen 6 weeks after having a baby. She was so nice and helpful! After 6 weeks of therapy, I feel much stronger, don’t have any pain, and am able to return back to my physically demanding job! Without going to therapy, I’m not sure that would have been possible 3 months post baby!				
E. O.
7/25/2022
					The professional staff at Active PT, in Preston MN helped me heal from an injury.  I hobbled in and left with a spring in my step! The best of small town caring service combined with the expert level of skills and communication one would expect only in a larger city. Thank you Mike and Johnny!				
L. S.
6/20/2022
					My experience at Active PT in Preston, MN was beyond what I had even hoped for. Both Mike and Johnny were exceptional and worked hard to get the best results possible.  I am so glad that I was referred here. Many, many thanks to Mike and Johnny!!				
C. O.
4/24/2022
					My experience at Active PT in Byron was phenomenal. The treatment plan they designed was thoughtful and robust, and my recovery was swifter than anticipated. The staff were friendly, conscientious, and knowledgeable - and I would eagerly recommend Active PT to anyone in need of PT services.				
M. W.
2/23/2022
					Johnny & Mike did an awesome job helping my 11 year old daughter strengthen her knee that was giving her some pain.. Now she has no pain. I would highly recommend either of these two guys at the Active PT clinic in Preston. Thanks again Johnny & MikeDustin & Addison McCabe				
D. M.
2/02/2022
					This practice is phenomenal. My therapist, Kayla Kramer, is especially amazing. I’ve been to physical therapy for years for various ailments and this experience was better than anything I’ve experienced previously. I’m pleased to report that my ankle and foot are exercise ready. Thank you Kayla!				
C. M.
1/18/2022
					It was awesome! Johnny and Mike are very good at everything that they do. thank you and I know where to go next time I need them and I have already told my friends what wonderful results I had with my shoulder!				
T. J.
1/08/2022
					Courtney is an amazing Physical Therapist. She is professional, knowledgeable and creative. I appreciate her approach, the way she sets and measures goals and the work she does 'behind the scenes' to ensure she fully understands the client individual situation. I also fully endorse the Active PT culture, service and staff overall. Thank you!				
E. C.
12/08/2021
					A year ago to this month I suffered severe nerve damage that caused my right leg to be paralyzed and needed to learn how to walk again and build up strength. Melissa Larson was my PT at ActivePT and helped me through the process to not only build back strength but also build back confidence in my body! Awesome team!				
A. v.
12/08/2021
					This last summer's time at ACTIVE PT improved my overall movement and feeling. It was great working with Melissa Larson she treated me more as a person than a patient, I enjoyed going every time. I would highly recommend ACTIVE PT.				
M. R.
11/08/2021
					Worked with Courtney on a hip issue.  I found all of the staff at Active PT to be caring and concerned with their patient's well-being and progress. Courtney was fabulous in listening to my specific concerns, and adjusting therapy over time to address those.  I would not hesitate to recommend!				
V. S.
11/08/2021
					I have an appointment coming up, and I had no clue what I was doing, but Matt K. was extremely friendly and helpful over the phone. I will be going into it with confidence now, so thanks to him. Amazing customer service!				
A. M.
11/08/2021
					Active PT has enabled me to eliminate pain and strengthen problem areas with superior success.Working with the team was a wonderful experience. Everyone was completely professional in all aspects of the process at hand.I high recommend Active PT for any physical therapy anywhere your pain exists.				
S. P.
10/08/2021
					I worked with Heather throughout my pregnancy and postpartum. With her guidance and specialized knowledge, I was able to run through the end of my pregnancy and have now returned to running postpartum without injury and feeling stronger than before. I would highly recommend ActivePT for pregnant women hope to stay active throughout their pregnancy and beyond.				
K. N.
10/08/2021
					I love coming here when I am having issues or in pain. Woody, Sam, and the team are great at communicating what is going on and what they are doing for treatment. My 4-5 months of therapy time flew by and I am able to function fully again in life with no restrictions!				
A. S.
8/08/2021
					Incredible results and an exceptional experience awaits you at this place. The hands-on approach is absolutely amazing. In addition to the outstanding therapy, the customer service is top-notch, the bathroom and facilities are so well clean, and the entire team is responsive.				
S. S.
8/08/2021
					Brandon Voth is the man! I went from not being able to do things I love (tennis, disc golfing, weight lifting) due to my shoulder to being able to do all that and then some. This is by far the best physical therapy experience I’ve had.				
M. S.
5/08/2021
					The staff is very professional and works with you to find the best solution to your physical therapy needs.  They are encouraging and positive as mine was a long journey, but I saw results with their expertise.  Johnny was my PTA and he was awesome!!!! Positive and upbeat always. Highly recommend.				
M. A.
4/08/2021
					I was very happy with my experience at Active PT in the new Rochester South facility!  Both Sam and Leah did a great job trying a variety of techniques to resolve my hip and back pain.  I'm happy to say I now have zero pain and am able to resume my regular activities and exercise!				
J. B.
4/08/2021
					My mom has been going to Active PT over a year now because of chronic pain. She feel much better after each visit. Jill helped her a lot. She knows what she is doing, very smart and she has great presonality.				
m. a.
2/08/2021
					I received therapy for a frozen shoulder.  I had visits with both Alyssa and Robin who were awesome!  Both of them explained things well and were so helpful in answering questions.  I always felt very comfortable working with them and had great results.  I thought the location was convenient and clean.  I would definitely recommend them to others.				
K. U.
2/08/2021
					Garrison in Spring Valley was awesome.  Referred from Mayo.  First time for any physical therapy.   Great location,  easy to make appointments, and he not only got me to 100% but he educated me with exercises for continued success.  Thanks!   I would highly recommend Active PT in Spring Valley.				
M. e.
2/08/2021
					Active PT did an excellent job getting my achilles tendon functioning again. They do a hands on treatment along with exercises. I've had a lot of physical therapy over the years at other places, and this is the best experience I have ever had. Thank you!				
D. K.
2/08/2021
					MOST impressed.Very friendly and easy to work with from the gals at the desk to "my" therapist Courtney.  Office is clean and very inviting,amid COVID appropriate precautions were taken.The therapy and home exercise instructions were most helpful with GREAT results.				
C. G.
2/08/2021
					Went here for PT and dry needling for my neck problems. The physical therapist I received treatment from was very knowledgeable, friendly, and advanced in his skills. Fellow staff was very friendly and welcoming. I have had better outcomes for my neck pain here compared to any other treatment I have had in the past ten+ years.				
K. L.
2/08/2021
					I saw woody twice for low back pain and couldn't speak more highly of my experience. The treatment I received was very effective and I would recommend active PT to anyone. Having seen several physical therapists before going to active PT I can personally tell you they are the best at what they do.				
E. R.
2/08/2021
					I have used Active PT for the past 11 years. I have always highly recommended them to family, friends and co-workers. I like that they use different treatment modalities to help me. The staff is friendly and great to work with. Their hours work out great since they are open after 5:00.				
P. O.
2/08/2021
					Active PT has a broad base of experts in their group. Courtney has been especially helpful to me. Her flexibility with giving rehab advice and tweaking things, adding and subtracting activities, has been extremely beneficial. Courtney’s understanding and caring for the whole person is very obvious.				
C. G.
2/08/2021
					I came in with severe neck pain and Joan gave me amazing therapy and treatment, as well as education.  Her ability to locate and alleviate pain is frankly amazing.  The whole place is so positive and upbeat and kind, too.				
M. C.
2/08/2017
					My 13 year old son was having foot and ankle trouble. Joan quickly determined the remedy. She would not accept payment as it was resolved during the free initial assessment. Joan was extremely skilled, work very well with an adolescent and showed great integrity. I also appreciated the easy accessibility to the practice and appointments.				
N. S.
2/08/2016