PINC

• Manual physiotherapy
• Physical and functional assessments
• Individualised Clinical Pilates
• Fatigue management
• Resistance training
• Exercise prescription

• Optimise physical and functional recovery
• Ease pain and muscular tension
• Regain strength and mobility
• Increase energy levels and improve breathing
• Strengthen core muscles and improve posture
• Improve physical functioning and maintain independence
• Reclaim body confidence and control
• Reduce treatment related side effects and
• Shift focus from illness to wellness

The PINC rehabilitation program is chronologically formatted into 4 phases.   The timing of each phase is dependent upon the persons’s physical condition, the length of the healing process, the type of surgery involved and the courses of adjuvant treatments. 

• Pre Op Phase – is designed to help patients before their cancer surgery.  It involves a pre-op assessment and education to identify any factors that may affect recovery from surgery and return to work.  A pre-op rehab plan will be devised for each individual which will include specific exercises to strength muscles and improve stamina ; education and functional guidance.

• Post Op Phase – designed to assist in the healing process of patients who are recently post surgery. It aims to restore strength and flexibility to particular joints and muscle groups that have become weak and inflexible as a result of surgery.  Includes manual physiotherapy and gentle modified exercises to maximise recovery from surgery, education and functional guidance for home and work. 

• Adjuvant Cancer Treatment Phase – designed to improve energy levels and maintain health during cancer treatments to reduce the impact on physical functioning and overall conditioning.  It aims to help patients manage fatigue, flexibility, strength and stamina  to reduce time off work, muscle wasting and functional impairment.  In addition to focusing on stretching and strengthening exercises for the upper and lower extremities, it contains workouts to improve abdominal strength and spinal stability; education about fatigue management, home and work based modifications and cardiovascular exercise.

• Fitness Phase – Designed to facilitate overall conditioning to increase physical stamina after treatments are completed.  It aims to improve cardiovascular fitness, strength and flexibility to increase endurance, elevate the metabolism, improve muscle tone and body composition.  The exercise selection focuses on improving physical functioning to maximise recovery to return to work, and living a full and productive life.  Education on fatigue management, return to work, sport and leisure activities. 

“In February of this year I was diagnosed with head & neck cancer. I had major surgery followed by radiotherapy.   One of the key things that helped me cope with going to radiotherapy was seeing my PINC Physio. It was something active and positive I could do to help myself both physically and emotionally.  The Physiotherapist I worked with was knowledgeable about what my body was going through, and encouraging for me to keep working and stretching- particularly the neck and shoulder area.    I did 10 sessions and it was rewarding to see the improvement in my movement and flexibility. It was great to have one on one sessions, and each time I felt I had taken care of myself and achieved another step. 

I was in a very vulnerable time in my cancer treatment and found it so helpful to have one on one time with my physiotherapist.  I would highly recommend the Pinc Program to anyone who has been through cancer.  It was encouraging, confidence building and built up my strength and flexibility. I am so grateful to those who work to provide the service.” 

Anne, Head & Neck Cancer Survivor

"The Pinc program was one of the most positive experiences I encountered while undergoing cancer treatment.  Under going treatment for breast cancer was gruelling and wiped out all sense of energy and vitality. The Pinc program armed me with the power to regain control of my body. For once, I was able to take control of at least part of my treatment. I was taught the tools of rehabilitation and to use my arm rather than favour it.  Through this process I was able to regain confidence in my body, my posture improved and I became stronger. 

The program gave me direction. I walked away from each session with a sense of achievement and a clear plan of what I needed to achieve before I saw my physiotherapist again. 

Each cancer patient has different needs and I think an individualised program is essential.  One can only come out of this program with a positive attitude, improved knowledge and movement. It's a winning formula! "

Judith Ansell, Breast Cancer 

“I was diagnosed with bowel cancer at 35 years old with two young children. I had all of my large bowel removed as well as most of my rectum.  After an extended period in hospital I was also very, very weak.  My daughters were aged three and six and I was determined to look after them.  I could barely walk for more than five minutes though. 

I really wanted to be able to stand upright!  I went to a PINC Physio in Hataitai, Wellington.  Straight away I realised the benefit of a physiotherapist led programme - there were many exercises that I just couldn't do - but Janna was always able to find an alternative.  I got strong enough to stand upright, then go back walking.  

Like a lot of cancer patients my rehab was not straightforward.  I have ongoing problems with dehydration and complications with the medications I need to take daily.  My PINC Physio always asks how I'm doing, and is genuinely interested in the answer.  She can work around the limitations I'm working with that week, even if they sound crazy! 

It seems strange to me that rehabilitation is not part of cancer treatment.  Without the PINC  Program I can't imagine how my recovery would be progressing.  I always feel better when I leave a session.  My physiotherapist is actually the health professional I see most often. For me, it is actually my cancer social support as well.  I'm now well enough to start looking for work and am excited to move on to the next stage of my life.”

Emma Wong-Ming, Bowel Cancer 

 “I finished my fourth session with Lorna Richardson my PINC Physio today. I cannot thank you guys enough for this introduction to physio/pilates. I was physically active prior to my breast cancer diagnosis last July, and kept walking during treatment. However I felt physically weak, was afraid to exercise my upper body, was slouching and had pain in my shoulders and arms. 

After the first session with Lorna, she gave me exercises which improved my mobility almost immediately! I felt like Lazerous rising from the dead! I am really grateful for the funding, which enabled me to partake in these sessions. 

Thanks for all that you do."

Catherine Murray, Breast Cancer