At Auckland Physiotherapy we offer specialised rehabilitation specifically for people diagnosed with cancer. Our Masters Physiotherapist Kirsten is a certified PINC & STEEL therapist meaning she has specific training in assessment and rehabilitation for clients who are undergoing or have completed their cancer treatment - be that surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiotherapy or hormone treatment. This training ensures you are in safe hands with someone that understands both the disease and the treatment journey.
Cancer rehabilitation is a comprehensive treatment approach designed to help a person regain, maintain, or maximise their physical function and emotional wellbeing after a cancer diagnosis.
We can provide a personalised program, advice, and guidance on how to safely resume activity. Each person is individually assessed and a programme is then created to suit their particular stage in recovery. The sessions can include manual therapy, scar management, therapeutic exercise, fatigue management, and home exercise programmes.
Cancer rehabilitation can help a person with cancer to:
All women and men with cancer or who have had cancer are eligible to participate, from the newly diagnosed to clients 25+ years after their initial cancer diagnosis.
Cancer rehabilitation is important after any type of cancer treatment and appropriate for all ages and levels of fitness. It is never too early or too late to start your rehabilitation. Ideally the sooner we can see someone, the better their recovery can be as we can address any problems they encounter quickly to avoid unnecessary ongoing pain and disability.
No referral is required, simply book an appointment with Kirsten and she will assess your specific needs and set up a plan designed specifically for you.
Our weekly Strength to Strength classes aim to support participants physically, emotionally, and socially as they transition on from individual rehabilitation sessions. They enable clients to connect with others who are facing similar cancer-related challenges.
Each class incorporates cardiovascular fitness, resistance training, balance work, and flexibility exercises. Group sizes are small, with a maximum of 6 people, allowing for individual attention. A circuit-based format is used and exercises can be modified to ensure we can meet a variety of needs within each class.
An initial 1-1 assessment is required prior to joining the classes.
Cancer rehabilitation can be funded privately, via health insurance or you may be eligible for financial assistance from a cancer charity. For private session, please visit our fees page for details.
If you would like to apply for financial assistance please visit the following websites to register:
The PINC and STEEL Foundation (for all cancer types)
The Breast Cancer Foundation NZ
Please note funding is not guaranteed and in most cases does not cover the full cost of your 1-1 treatment sessions. There is a small surcharge of $10 - $20 for funded appointments.
Clients may be able to access funding through The PINC & STEEL Foundation to attend a fully funded 6 week block of group classes.
No referral is required. Call us or book online for your initial appointment with Kirsten and she will assess your specific needs and set up a plan designed specifically for you
Kirsten Rose is an experienced physiotherapist with postgraduate qualification in Western Acupuncture and a Masters in Rehabilitation. She has completed training to become a PINC & STEEL cancer rehab physiotherapist. Alongside her physiotherapy qualifications, Kirsten is also a certified Health Coach which has equipped her with additional knowledge in lifestyle medicine. This encompasses holistic health practices such as sleep, nutrition, movement, positive psychology and mind-body connection.
“I found my physio very easy to talk to. She seemed genuinely interested in me and my welfare. She was knowledgeable and helpful in coming up with short exercise and flexibility programmes that suited the phase of treatment I am in.I have the satisfaction of knowing that I'm doing what I need to for my best recovery.”
“I have felt so supported by my physio all the way. She has been able to develop a program of exercises to suit me and my situation and I don’t think I would be at this same point in my journey without her guidance. I would definitely recommend others seeking out treatment, it’s been an important part in my road to recovery and feeling like ‘me’ again.”
“I was looking to improve my overall flexibility and strength, plus build some resilience in my body again. My physio was gentle and measured, her advice was very personalised even though I was in a group class. My mental wellbeing has been the most marked improvement. I would definitely recommend the classes to others - enjoy the expertise, the banter and the supportive atmosphere.”
“Anyone offered the opportunity to join the cancer rehab classes as I was should take it up, if not for the physical benefit which is well worth it but for the fact that they are great fun and it is beneficial to connect with people who have faced the same challenges.”
“Everyone I came into contact with to get set up for the programme was incredibly helpful and positive which was so encouraging for my mental health. I am beyond grateful to be a part of this group. My personal journey has been mind blowing. The specialised exercises have given me a new lease on life, not only has the pain in my arm and chest improved 100% I have been given the tools to learn how to breathe more efficiently. It has given me so much confidence in my daily life.”
