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Physical Health

Explore regulated & alternative therapies along with different exercise programs

Your physical rehabilitation is the chief concern of many Kamloops medical professionals, including specially trained therapists and programs designed just for cancer patients. Combating mobility issues, pain, tension, scar tissue, swelling, stress and physical misalignments by incorporating Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) contributes to your better quality of life. Kamloops is fortunate enough to have CAM professionals that are dedicated to dealing with the impacts you may experience whether due to a cancer diagnosis or treatment.

Exercise Programs

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    Strength After Breast Cancer

    Strength After Breast Cancer is a Physiotherapist led re-introduction to exercise following breast cancer treatment. The program focuses on improving flexibility, developing core strength, and increasing overall strength through weight-based resistance exercises. No prior experience required.

    The program is based on the Physical Activity and Lymphedema Trial demonstrating a 70% reduction in the development of lymphedema, improvement in posture, body image, energy levels, and an increase in bone density!

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    Exercise After Breast Surgery

    Exercise is an important part of your treatment and recovery after surgery for breast cancer. Exercise can help you: get movement back in your arms and shoulders; improve muscle strength; reduce fatigue; reduce pain and muscle tightness in your shoulders, neck, and back; allow you to begin your daily activities again (such as bathing and dressing); improve your overall well-being.

    We developed this booklet with physiotherapists who specialize in working with people who have had breast cancer surgery.

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    Kamloops Yoga Therapy

    My name is Margaret Huff, and I am a yoga therapist, certified by the American Viniyoga Institute. In addition to my AVI training, I have also completed two 200-hour yoga teacher trainings with Marnie Marriott and the Salt Spring Centre of Yoga, as well as “Yoga for Cancer Survivor” training with Susi Hately. My approach to health, healing and wellness, from a yogic perspective, is to look at the multi-dimensionality of human being-ness ~ body, nervous system, mind, emotions and spirit ~ and co-create complementary practices that are selected from the diverse tools of yoga for addressing an individual’s main area/s of concern. These may include specific relaxation, breathing, movement and meditation techniques geared for an individual’s particular needs. I also offer classes that can be arranged for groups, incorporating as much individualized adaptation as possible.

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    The Pilates Tree

    I have been teaching Pilates since 2001, and in that time have worked to bring my clients back to a place where they can be free of pain and in good health through private and group instruction. Pilates teaches efficient, corrective movement patterns, providing a healthy foundation for moving through life.

    When I discovered the Pink Ribbon Program, it was clear I needed to complete this training and bring the program into my business as 80% of my clientele are female, (some of whom were cancer survivors). Understanding the treatment and reconstructive process is important in the teaching and healing journey.

    This program allows me to help breast cancer survivors bridge the gap from diagnosis and treatment to getting back to living while creating a safe, supportive community within the studio.

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    Spirit Warriors

    The Spirit Warriors are a breast cancer survivor dragon boat team. We are a survivor group whose focus is on living, rather than on the disease that brought us together. Team members are from all walks of life, range in age from 30s to 70s with varied interests and fitness levels. We offer an active, health-giving, life affirming opportunity for breast cancer survivors.

Massage Therapists

  • Colette Swain, RMT

    Registered Massage Therapist

    Certified through Dr. Vodder Schools International in Lymphedema Management since 2009, I have an Advanced Practice in treating lymphedema and lymphatic health. I like to stay up-to-date with current research and studies by attending conferences and continually upgrading my education. Sharing this knowledge with my community stands as a priority within my practice.

    As a founder of the “KCC”, I am passionate about helping those living with cancer thrive in our community. I believe in teamwork and take pride in my work. I believe in working together with you and your healthcare team to meet your healthcare goals.

Naturopathic Medicine

  • Katie Hamilton, ND

    Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine

    I obtained a degree in Kinesiology at the University of British Columbia, prior to completing my 4 year medical degree at the Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine in New Westminster, BC.

    I pursued much of my medical training at Vancouver Friends for Life, a wellness centre that provides care for people with cancer, HIV/AIDS, and other serious illnesses.

    “Each person’s experience of health and illness is unique”, I emphasizes shared-decision making to empower my patients in achieving their wellness goals. I believe in a holistic approach to healing and aspire to complement the other components of each person’s health and support network.

  • Tracy Levins, ND

    Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine

    Originally from Merritt, I obtained my Bachelor of Science degree from TRU before proceeding on to Medical School at Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine. I am the owner of Radiant Life Naturopathic Centre and have been passionate about treating Kamloops families since 2012. I have a general family practice with a clinical focus on Oncology and Women's health.

    I have completed the Metabolic Approach to Cancer Oncological Training with Dr. Nasha Winters, ND. Other areas of focus include food/environmental allergies, immune health, weight loss/management and prevention/treatment of chronic disease.

    I strongly believe that doctors are teachers and am excited to be providing education and health care to my community.

Nutritionists

  • Kelly Aiello, RHN

    Registered Holistic Nutritionist

    Kelly is a Registered Holistic Nutritionist (RHN) and an Amen Clinic Certified Brain Health Coach. An educator at heart, she started her career teaching high school math. When a life-altering event left her husband with a TBI, she was inspired to become a natural nutritionist with a whole new lease on life.

    She now has her own practice, HappiHuman, where she specializes in neuronutrition, the gut-brain connection, blood sugar regulation, cancer, and digestive disorders. She’s passionate about educating others on how to empower themselves to regain control over their health, optimize cognitive function, and become their best selves. She understands that each person has unique needs, and implements natural foods, lifestyle upgrades, stress management, and targeted supplementation to help her clients achieve their goals.

Osteopathic Medicine

  • Imogen Wood

    Osteopathic Practitioner

    My name is Imogen Wood. I am the co-owner of Kamloops Osteopathy and I work as an osteopathic practitioner treating chronic and acute injuries. Many of my patients are post cancer diagnosis. When you are diagnosed with cancer it can stop you from entering social gatherings, doing sports or even trusting your own body to just walk down the street. I consider it my job to help return my patients back to balance restore muscle strength, flexibility and confidence in ones’ own body to help them back to the activities they love to do.

  • Paul Roberts

    Osteopathic Practitioner

    My name is Paul Roberts. I am the co-owner of Kamloops Osteopathy and I work as an osteopathic practitioner treating chronic and acute injuries. I am also a personal trainer and crossfit coach. Once my cancer patients’ are given the consent from their physician to exercise again, I can combine gentle osteopathic treatments with fun hourly personal training sessions to rebuild strength, flexibility and mobility. Any exercise can be adapted to suit the client, so you never need to feel like there is something you cannot do.

Physiotherapists

  • Amanda Matton, MScPT

    Physiotherapist

    I am a registered physiotherapist with postgraduate training in cancer rehabilitation and lymphedema management. I am a certified lymphedema therapist (CLT-LANA) and PINC Cancer rehab therapist. I also facilitate the Strength After Breast Cancer exercise program.

    Along with Andrea Edwards (PT), I facilitate the Strength After Breast Cancer 5-week re-introduction to strength based exercise training. This is geared towards small groups of women so that all exercises can be monitored an modified as needed, and is evidence based following the Physical Activity and Lymphedema (PAL) research study.

    My goal is to work alongside women with any diagnosis of cancer to assist them to get back to doing what they love. Bringing the most up to date treatment practices to Kamloops so that people don’t have to leave their own community is a passion of mine, and I look forward to collaborating with you to help you reach your health goals.

  • Andrea Edwards, MScPT

    Physiotherapist

    I am a Physiotherapist and certified lymphatic therapist and am involved with ongoing education regarding exercise with cancer (PiNC and STEEL exercise programs). As one of the founders of the “KCC”, I am dedicated to help those with cancer live in our community with the best supports possible. I have been helping people live well with cancer for the last decade.

    As a physiotherapist, I help people to live their best life post cancer diagnosis. With one on one focused hands on therapy, I guide you to release your tight tissue, suggest exercises for strengthening and greater ease of movement that when combined help you return to what you love doing.

    I am proud to provide the Strength After Breast Cancer exercise group in the Kamloops community with Amanda Matton, PT. A 5- week guided progressive workout helps women strengthen and regain physical confidence.

Traditional Chinese Medicine

  • Andrea Hansen

    Chinese Medicine

    I am a registered Doctor of Chinese medicine and acupuncture with the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Association of BC. At Wild Roots we have a special interest in helping to restore the physiological and emotional health for those living with or recovering from a cancer diagnosis. A core philosophy at Wild Roots is that health is a state of physiological,emotional, and social wellness, not merely the absence of disease.