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Upcoming Workshops

Giving Care To The Caregiver:

5 Must Do Activities To Re-energize Yourself

Join us for our Free February Seminar:

Caregiving can be stressful. It can affect you mentally, physically, emotionally, and yes, spiritually. How much is caregiver stress affecting you? In this presentation, you will:

  • Gain a better understanding of caregiver stress

  • Empower yourself with evidence-based, yet practical information

  • Learn 5 strategies to re-energize yourself 

PresenterEdna Brinkley, PhD 

Dr. Brinkley (“Dr. B”) is a licensed psychologist, author, and consultant. She is the founder of The Brinkley Center where, utilizing evidence-based treatment and practical information, she empowers professional women, like you, to transform negative stress into the peace, joy, and contentment you thought you’d lost. 


When: February 21st at 6:00

Where: Cancer Rehab Austin


Cancer & Sexuality:

What do we know and what do we need to know?

This presentation will explore the impact of cancer on sexuality and the importance of sexual expression in relationship.

We will learn about how sexual challenges and sexual expression are integral to quality of life for both the cancer patient and partner(s). Shelley will offer her insights about relational sexuality in couples who have experienced cancer diagnoses and explore the challenges of both understanding and addressing sexuality for all of us.

Pr esenter: Shelley Imholte, MSW, LCSW, M.Ed., PhD-c

Shelley is the owner and operator of Sexual Life Improvement, PLLC which offers psychotherapy services to adults. She has spent over 8 years as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with the State of Texas. Shelley graduated with a Master’s degree from the School of Social Work at the University of Texas at Austin; she completed a Master’s degree in Human Sexuality Education from Widener University, and is currently on track to complete a Doctorate degree in Clinical Human Sexuality from Widener University this year.

When: March 14th at 6:30 pm

Where: Cancer Rehab Austin


Learn More About Our Mission and Services
watch this video to get an in depth look...
Benefits of Oncology Massage
According to the American Massage Therapy Association, oncology massage can help with:
  • Pain
  • Neuropathy
  • Stress and Anxiety
  • Nausea
  • Depression
  • Fatigue

There is a wealth of research to demonstrate these benefits.


Cancer Rehab Austin has two highly skilled oncology massage therapists whose mission is to improve your quality of life. 

Meet Ashley Hiatt LMT, OMT, CMLDT

We are excited to announce that oncology massage therapist Ashley Hiatt has joined our team here at CRA, and will start offering her services in February! 

Here is her impressive bio:
Ashley Hiatt LMT, OMT, CMLDT
Compassion and kindness are essential when providing the most basic of human needs: touch.

Ashley has been a massage therapist since 2003. She is passionate about her profession because of the sense of safety and relief she can provide to others through massage.

Ashley’s advanced massage therapy education and training includes:
• Oncology massage / hospital and hospice massage education and training from Tracy Walton, Gayle MacDonald, Irene Smith, Healwell Integrative Health Therapies, and MD Anderson Cancer Center Integrative Medicine programs.
• Manual Lymph Drainage Certification (Vodder method) from Klose Training and Consultants.
• Ashley is passionate about learning and participating in as many classes and events as she can. She aspires to stay as up to date as possible with the latest research and techniques that are available regarding Oncology Massage, Lymphatic Drainage, and Massage Therapy. Ashley creates massage therapy sessions that are safe, customized and relaxing.
• She is an active volunteer in the community and belongs to several organizations including:
o Society for Oncology Massage (S4OM)
o American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA)
o National Lymphedema Network
o Oncology Massage Alliance (OMA)
o Central Texas Hospice & Palliative Massage Association

Research Corner
Physical activity and survival in breast cancer.

This study looked at the association between physical activity and survival rate in those diagnosed with breast cancer. Using data on 959 breast cancer survivors they found:
  • Participation in physical activity may reduce mortality by 44% compared to inactivity.

  • Performing 2 1/2 hours or more of brisk weekly walking after BC diagnosis may reduce mortality by up to 32% compared to low-level exercise.

Click here to read the entire abstract.

*** If you need help starting a safe and effective exercise program our physical therapist here at CRA can help. ***

Contact Dr. Angela Wicker-Ramos PT, DPT, CLT-LANA today. 

[email protected]

512-524-0964


A safety and efficacy pilot study of acupuncture for the treatment of chronic lymphoedema.

Many of those dealing with lymphedema have been told to avoid acupuncture needles in the quadrant that they have lymphedema. However, research may say something different.

A study looking at the safety and efficacy of acupuncture in women diagnosed with breast cancer related lymphedema found:

  • four women showed at least a 30% reduction in the extent of lymphoedema at 4 weeks when compared with their respective baseline values.
  • No serious adverse events occurred during or after 73 treatment sessions.

Click here to read the entire abstract.

*** It is important that you seek out an acupuncturist with advanced training in oncology if you are dealing with cancer related lymphedema.***

Contact our acupuncturist Dr. Agnes Nowakowski L.AC (TX), MACOM, DIPLOM, DOM (FL) for treatment. 

512-731-2462

Our Dietician Krystle Needs Your Help!
Licensed Dietitian and Researcher at Texas State University, Krystle Zuniga needs volunteers for her study.
Her research study is investigating the association between  diet and brain function after cancer treatment in older cancer  survivors. They are recruiting cancer survivors (diagnosed at >60 yrs
old)  within 5 years  of completing treatment (chemo and/or radiation).  Participants make one 80 minute visit to a site in Central Austin or  at Texas State University in San Marcos (whichever is most  convenient). Parking is free and participants receive the results of  the assessments.

Cancer survivors who have participated in their previous research have  told us that they enjoyed the experience and appreciated the feedback
we provide on their diet quality and cognitive function. Most  importantly, our participants have valued the experience to  participate in research on an important problem that has impacted  their quality of life after treatment.

If you would like to participate contact Krystle Zuniga, PhD, RD at [email protected] or 512-245-3786.
To all healthcare practitioners!
Do you have a patient that is in need of immediate rehab treatment?

When dealing with issues such as lymphedema, pain, weakness, axillary web syndrome and restrictions in motion, receiving treatment quickly is imperative to acquire the best patient outcomes and quality of life.

We guarantee your patient will be seen by our oncology rehab therapist / lymphedema therapist within 1-2 weeks of receiving a script. 

You may fax your scripts to: 512-524-0936

Want to Help CRA Grow?
We would love your help!
Some ways you can help:
  • Let your medical practitioners know about us at your next follow up appointment. 

  • Tell others in your cancer support community that we are here to help.

  • Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram and share posts that you find interesting or informative.

  • If you have received treatment at CRA we would appreciate a review on Yelp or Google. People rely on reviews to find quality care and practitioners they can trust.

    We are so blessed to be in such an amazing Austin community. We appreciate your support and look forward to continuing to make a difference one patient at a time.

Cancer Rehab Austin | Phone: 512-524-0964 | Fax: 512-524-0936 
email: [email protected]| Website: www.cancerrehabaustin.com