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ABOUT US
OUR WHY
ALR was founded when Nadia and Shannon saw gaps in the cancer rehabilitation and lymphoedema management available. They had a vision of providing a holistic, evidence based rehabilitation service where people, who have a cancer diagnosis, can have all of their rehabilitation needs met under one roof instead of being referred to multiple therapists.
HOW WE DO IT
Nadia and Shannon are passionate about working with their clients for their own individual needs and goals by empowering them in their recovery to reduce the debilitating side effects of treatment, improve their quality of life and help them return to living their best lives.
We work closely with your medical team, which may include your Surgeon, Medical/Radiation Oncologist, Nurse, Dietician, Speech Language Therapist and/or GP to ensure we are all on the same page with regards to your rehabilitation needs and are working together to achieve this with you.
WHAT WE DO
Following cancer treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, people often experience many side effects which can include pain, reduced function, decreased strength and fitness, limited range of movement, cording, lymphoedema, peripheral neuropathy, fatigue, impaired sleep, anxiety and mood disturbances. These are all common side effects but do not have to be tolerated.
If you have any concerns about your body since your cancer diagnosis - a personalised exercise programme and individualised treatment can help with the following:
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Exhaustion or fatigue
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Feeling weak
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Reduced mobility
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Aches or pains in muscles or joints
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Loss of muscle mass
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Joint stiffness
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Tingling in hands/feet
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Scar discomfort
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Difficulty exercising
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Difficulty returning to work
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Swelling in limbs
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Balance difficulties
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Shortness of breath/unable to take a deep breath
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Risk of lymphoedema or diagnosed lymphoedema
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Bladder or bowel dysfunction
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Struggling to manage with household tasks or getting back into activities you enjoy
Pelvic Health Physiotherapy
We can assess and treat bladder control problems, pelvic organ prolapse, sexual dysfunction and provide pelvic floor and/or core strengthening program.
LYMPHOEDEMA
ALR provides evidence-based treatment programs using the highest quality rehabilitation techniques and latest advances in technology to assess and treat cancer related lymphoedema.
For those who are diagnosed with lymphoedema, our goal is to empower clients to reduce and maintain their lymphoedema through an individualised management program that includes skin care advice, exercise prescription, lymphatic massage, prescription of compression garments and bandaging.
At risk of lymphoedema?
Through our early detection and monitoring program we aim to prevent and reduce the progression of lymphoedema before it becomes irreversible.
We do this by educating our clients about their condition and provide tools to help reduce the risk of lymphoedema from developing. We use proven assessment techniques (bioimpedence, limb volume and lymph scanner assessments) to help identify lymphoedema early which prevents progression of symptoms.
Shannon Ruddell
Physio Lymphoedema Therapist & Company Director
Shannon is a certified PINC and STEEL Physiotherapist who has worked in Australia, UK and Auckland with leading experts in Oncology Care and Lymphoedema and brings more than 10 years of oncology rehabilitation and lymphoedema experience to ALR.
In addition, her rotational experience working in surgical, medical, intensive care, acute oncology, musculoskeletal outpatients, ENT/ORL and community services means she can provide rehabilitation for all patients with a diagnosis of cancer, at any age and stage of treatment.
She is passionate about working with clients pre, during and post cancer treatments to ensure they are well supported in reducing and addressing the many side effects that commonly occur with cancer treatment. These side effects maybe common but they are not normal and should not be left unaddressed as this can hugely affect a person's function, quality of life and health and wellbeing.
Shannon strives to keep up with the latest assessment and treatment approaches in all areas of cancer rehab and lymphoedema in order to be able to provide her clients with a holistic program that focused on achieving their individual goals so they can return to living their best lives.
Outside of work Shannon is in her happy place being out in nature or on and near the water. She loves spending quality time with friends and family and is looking forward to the arrival of her first baby with partner Andre in early 2023.
Ciska Kritzinger
Ciska Kritzinger - Physio Lymphoedema Therapist
Ciska has 30 years of experience working as physiotherapist in South Africa, the UK and New Zealand, with a special interest in lymphoedema management since 2010.
She has worked in private and public settings treating clients with musculoskeletal and oncology related complaints. She completed post graduate training in orthopaedic manual therapy and both basic and advanced lymphoedema management.
Supporting people on their journey through cancer treatment is a privilege and close to her heart.
Ciska enjoys slow cooking with her husband while listening to good music, as well as beach walks with her two fur baby dachshunds. She loves traveling, especially exploring New Zealand.