Cancer Rehabilitation in Des Moines, Iowa

Comprehensive Cancer Physical Therapy

At UnityPoint Health - Des Moines, we provide oncology physical therapy services to individuals with cancer and cancer survivors. Our therapy programs are focused on helping patients address their symptoms and thrive in their day-to-day activities. We provide a range of therapy services including physical, occupational and speech therapy to help patients improve strength, increase independence and regain control of their lives.

Oncology Rehabilitation in Central Iowa

Oncology rehabilitation is offered at the Physical Therapy - Penn Avenue. Penn Avenue Outpatient Therapy has been awarded the Physiological Oncology Rehabilitation Institute (PORi) Center of Excellence designation. PORi's goal is to elevate oncology rehabilitation to being a norm for a cancer patient's journey to improve their quality of life. Our therapists provide specialty care in the areas of head & neck cancer, breast cancer, pelvic cancer & lower extremity rehabilitation, as well as chemotoxicity and cancer exercise management. If you think you could benefit from oncology rehabilitation, call our clinic today 515-263-5143 to begin your therapy journey. 

Certified Oncology Rehabilitation Specialists

We're here for you when cancer comes into play in your life, at diagnosis, through active treatment and years after into survivorship. Our team helps manage the conditions you may have as a result of your diagnosis. Our certified oncology rehabilitation specialists are uniquely qualified to treat conditions related to cancer and have been certified as oncology rehabilitation specialists by the Physiological Oncology Rehabilitation Institute (PORi). Our therapists were the first PORi-certified specialists in the state of Iowa.

Our therapists are available to work with you during any phase of your cancer diagnosis and treatment. Our medical professionals have a true passion for helping patients return to usual activities, hobbies and work as quickly as possible. The UnityPoint Health - Des Moines team is here to help patients and their families heal during rehabilitation.

Patient Stories

Watch the video below to hear from patients receiving Cancer Rehabilitation Care at UnityPoint Health - Des Moines. 

Individualized Cancer Physical Therapy Near You

Our goal is to provide each individual we treat with the therapy options they need to reach their desired outcomes and improve their quality of life. Early referral and our unique and thorough approach to rehabilitation allow us to treat multiple symptoms and create a plan of care that can minimize the development of long-term issues such as:

• Restricted range of motion
• Joint stiffness
• Cancer-related fatigue
• Weakness
• Balance difficulties
• Pelvic floor dysfunction
• Difficulty with walking
• Chemo-induced peripheral neuropathy (numbness/tingling)
• Radiation therapy management
• Scar conditions/fibrosis
• Neck and TMJ mobility
• A difficulty with daily tasks and mobility
• Other areas related to your diagnosis

Each patient receives personalized attention and care from our specialists as they work to overcome individual challenges. Our team offers a variety of services and treatments including:

• Pre and post-surgical treatment
• Weakness and/or deconditioning
• Radiation therapy management
• Restricted range of motion
• Pain management
• Edema management
• Scar conditions/fibrosis
• Pelvic floor dysfunction
• Balance/coordination
• Chemo-induced peripheral neuropathy
• Neck and TMJ mobility
• ADL & functional mobility dysfunction
• Cancer-related fatigue

Meet Our Cancer Rehabilitation Team

Maren Sand-Peck, PT, DPT

Maren is a 1999 graduate of Iowa State University with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. She received her Master of Science of Physical Therapy from Des Moines University in 2002 and completed her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Des Moines University. Maren is a certified breast cancer rehabilitation specialist, as well as a certified chemotoxicity and cancer exercise therapist, from the Physiological Oncology Rehabilitation Institute in Denver, Colorado. She is also a certified LSVT Big Clinician for the treatment of Parkinson's disease. Maren's clinical interests include neurological rehabilitation, Parkinson's disease, balance disorders and oncology rehabilitation. She has a passion to help patients and their families during their rehabilitation journey.

Amy R. Johnson, M.S.P.T

Amy graduated from the University of Northern Iowa in 1993 with a BA in Biology and a minor in Chemistry. She also graduated from Des Moines University in 1996 with a Master of Science in Physical Therapy Degree. She is certified chemotoxicity and cancer exercise therapist, from the Physiological Oncology Rehabilitation Institute in Denver, Colorado. She is also an Advanced Certified Exercise Expert for the Aging Adult and a Credentialed Clinical Instructor from the American Physical Therapy Association. She has over 20 years of experience in physical therapy attending to neurological, orthopedic and geriatric diagnoses including those with chronic illness and has a interest in working with special needs adults.

Christine Young-Denny, M.S., P.T.

Christine graduated from Iowa State University in 1992 with a degree in Distributed Studies (Psychology, Zoology and Physical Education). In 1995 she received a Master of Science in Physical Therapy Degree and a distinction award for Research. For the past 24 years she has been employed at UnityPoint Outpatient Therapy servicing mostly orthopedic diagnoses. She completed the PORi-Oncology Rehabilitation Therapist certification in October of 2019 from the Physiological Oncology Rehabilitation Institute in Denver, CO. Her other interests include Mulligan Therapy and tempo mandibular joint dysfunction. She is excited for the opportunity to assist the cancer population achieve their goals.

Katelyn Meersman, MOT, OTR/L

Katelyn is a 2011 graduate of the University of Iowa with a B.A. in Interdepartmental Studies, minors in Psychology and Aging Studies. She received her Master of Occupational Therapy from St. Ambrose University in Davenport, IA in 2015. Katie has since worked for UnityPoint Health with clinical interests in neuro-rehabilitation, orthopedics, driving rehabilitation, and oncology rehabilitation. She is a certified chemotoxicity & cancer exercise therapist from the Physiological Oncology Rehabilitation Institute in Denver, Colorado. She is also a certified breast cancer rehabilitation therapist.She has a passion for helping patients return to their most treasured roles and occupations after illness or injury.

Shelley Dreibelbeis, PT

Shelley is a 1981 graduate of Gustavus Adolphus College in St Peter, MN. She graduated from the University of Iowa Physical Therapy Program in 1982. She completed the PORI-Oncology Rehabilitation Therapist Certification in October 2019 and the Pelvic Cancer and Lower Extremity Rehabilitation Certification in 2021. Shelley's clinical interests include conditions affecting the pelvic floor including incontinence, pelvic pain, constipation, post-radiation fibrosis and painful intercourse.

Michelle McGregor, SLP

Michelle graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Speech Communication from Iowa State University and a Master of Science in Speech/Language Pathology from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Michelle is a certified head and neck cancer rehabilitation specialist from the Physiological Oncology Rehabilitation Institute (PORi). She is also a certified LSVT Loud clinician used in treatment of Parkinson's Disease as well as other neurological diseases. Michelle is trained in level 1 Buteyko Breathing. Michelle's clinical interests include oncology rehabilitation, swallowing disorders, voice disorders, breathing disorders, and neurological rehabilitation.