Oncology Rehabilitation
Our physical and occupational therapists work as part of the Highlands team to improve the side effects of your cancer and treatment. Oncology rehabilitation is beneficial from diagnosis, throughout your treatment, and into survivorship.
Physical Therapy can help with:
- Strengthening
- Balance
- Mobility
- Flexibility and range of motion
- Lymphedema or swelling
- Peripheral Neuropathy of the feet/legs
- Fatigue reduction
- Fall prevention
- Dizziness or vertigo treatment
- Posture
- Bone health
- Coordination
- Pain reduction
- Scar tissue
- Quality of Life and Well-Being
Occupational Therapy can help with:
- Upper extremity pain
- Loss of arm strength
- Loss of arm range of motion
- Memory loss
- Decreased concentration
- Difficulty with dressing, grooming, or bathing
- Energy conservation and fatigue
- Peripheral Neuropathy of the hands
- Fine Motor skills of the hands
Gina Baumgartner, PT, DPT, GCS, CLT-LANA
Doctor of Physical Therapy
PT and Massage Manager
Certificate of Achievement in Pelvic Health
Certified Oncology Rehabilitation Therapist
Springdale location
Gina received her B.A. in Biology from the University of North Texas in 1994, B.S. in Physical Therapy from U.T. Southwestern Allied Health Professions in 1997, and her Doctor of Physical Therapy from the University of Montana, Missoula in 2016. Gina became a Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT) from Klose Training in 2018 and is Lymphology Association of North America (LANA) certified. She is also a board-certified Geriatric Clinical Specialist (GCS) through the American Physical Therapy Association. Gina achieved her Certificate of Achievement in Pelvic Health through the American Physical Therapy Association’s division of Women and Pelvic Health. She also received certification as an Oncology Rehabilitation Therapist through the Physiological Oncology Rehabilitation Institute (PORi) in 2022. Gina is the supervisor of Physical Therapy and Massage. Other areas of competency include pelvic health, vestibular disorders, generalized deconditioning and weakness, gait and balance deficits, neuromuscular conditions, fall prevention, and orthopedic problems. She enjoys hiking, cycling, traveling, and spending time with her family.
Tenley Williams, PT, DPT, CLT
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Springdale location
Tenley received her B.S in Exercise Science from Harding University in 2017 and her Doctor of Physical Therapy from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) in 2020. Tenley served on the Board of Directors for the North Street Clinic at UAMS, providing free interprofessional healthcare services to the Marshallese population living in Northwest Arkansas and was awarded the Excellence in Orthopedic Rehabilitation Award. She also was awarded the Ethan Van Camp Memorial Award for community service through physical therapy. Tenley became a Certified Lymphedema Therapist through Norton School of Lymphatic Therapy in 2019. Tenley has a passion for serving oncology patients affected by lymphedema. She enjoys crafting, reading, running, and spending time with her family and her dog.
Leslie Klashman, DPT
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Springdale location
Leslie received her B.S. in Health and Exercise Science from Wake Forest University in 2014 and her Doctor of Physical Therapy from Northwestern University in 2017. She will become a Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT) through Klose training in February 2022. Leslie previously worked in the acute care setting at a Level I trauma center in Chicago and has recently relocated to Northwest Arkansas. She has experience in treating lymphedema and hematology/oncology patients in the inpatient setting and is excited to continue to grow at Highlands Oncology. She enjoys being outdoors, traveling, food, and spending time with her dog and family.
Anne Cope, PT, DPT, OCS, CLT
Ann is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and is an APTA board-certified Orthopedic Specialist. Anne became a Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT) through Klose training in September 2022. She completed her DPT at Maryville University in St. Louis, MO in 2014, Her BS in 2012, and her orthopedic residency through Evidence in Motion in 2016. She is also certified in dry trigger point dry needling. Anne was the clinic manager for ApexNetwork Physical Therapy in Centerton since 2018 and the Clinic Director of Texas Physical Therapy Specialists in Leander, TX. She will be working at the PW location. Anne lives in Bentonville with her husband and two young daughters.
Aileen Wolf Johnson, OTD, OTR/L, CLT
Aileen is a Doctor of Occupational Therapy who is coming to us from Kansas City, Missouri. She has worked with adult patients at North Kansas City Acute Inpatient Rehabilitation and pediatrics in school and outpatient settings. She has been a CLT since March 2022. She received her OTD from Mary Baldwin University in 2017 and her BS in Psychology in 2014 from Virginia Commonwealth University. She received her CLT from the Academy of Lymphatic Studies. She is a member of the American Occupational Therapy Association and the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy. Aileen will be working at both the BCC and PW clinics. She will be partnering with PT to develop peripheral neuropathy, cancer-related fatigue, and chemotherapy-induced cognitive impairment programs in addition to treating patients with impaired fine motor skills and lymphedema. She worked and lived in NWA in the past and is returning to settle in Fayetteville with her husband.
*References:
• Alappattu Meryl et al. Clinical Characteristics of Patients with Cancer Referred for Outpatient Physical Therapy. Physical Therapy. April 2015 95 (4) 526-538.
• Lemanne D, Cassileth B, Gubili J. The role of physical activity in cancer prevention, treatment, recovery, and survivorship. Oncology. 2013, June; 27(6):580-5.
• Rizzo A. The Role of Exercise and Rehabilitation in the Cancer Care Plan. J Adv Pract Oncol. 2016;7;339-342
• Silver JK, Baima J, Mayer RS. Impairment-driven cancer rehabilitation: an essential component of quality care and survivorship. CA Cancer J Clin. 2013, Sept; 63(5):295-317