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E: hopecarephysio@gmail.com
E: admin.materwellbeing@svha.org.au
P: 02 9923 7246
Kay Van Norton Centre for Wellbeing, Mater Hospital
11 Gillies St, Wollstonecraft, NSW, 2065
Physiotherapy for breast cancer and lymphoedema.
Based on the north shore of Sydney, HopeCare is a clinic dedicated to caring for clients affected by a cancer diagnosis, with a particular focus on breast cancer.
About HopeCare
Heather York, physiotherapist and founder of HopeCare Lymphoedema Physiotherapy established the clinic with a dream to walk alongside women at any stage on their breast cancer treatment pathway. Having walked this path herself over ten years ago, she understands it can be a difficult time and one which is often complicated by pain and discomfort of side effects from surgery and treatment.
Heather is empathetic, with a professional and personal understanding of how you may be feeling. She has a particular focus on the prevention and early proactive management of lymphoedema to prevent this condition becoming chronic. In a relaxing, confidential and safe space, Heather’s clinical expertise will ease your symptoms and pain. Her gentle manner allows you time to raise your concerns and questions, and to fully understand why you feel the way you do, giving you confidence to continue doing the things you love.
We can help with any of the following conditions:
Scars
Cording
Radiation Fibrosis
Breast Swelling/ Oedema
Breast Reconstruction
Lymphoedema
Compression Garment
Prescription
Restricted or Painful Shoulder
Post Surgical
Swelling
Technology
L-Dex
At your HopeCare appointment an L-Dex (Lymphoedema Index) measure will be taken. It is generated using bioimpedence spectroscopy (BIS) on a SOZO medical device (more information here).
The L-Dex score calculated by this quick, non-invasive test gives an indication of any lymphoedema-related changes to fluid load within the surgical-side limb. These small changes are only detectable by the SOZO but therefore allow for an accurate early warning sign of possible lymphoedema.
In a recent study (PREVENT trial) 92% of breast cancer patients who had fluid changes detected by the L-Dex which were too small to measure with a tape measure, were given intervention treatment and didn’t progress to chronic lymphoedema.
When to have a SOZO reading?
Before any cancer treatment commences (chemotherapy or surgery)
Post-operatively
Prospective surveillance - every three months for two years for those at high risk of lymphoedema
HopeCare includes this measurement for every appointment as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for all patients.
Treatments may include
Manual lymphatic drainage
Self lymphatic drainage education
Scar massage
Cording massage
Photobiomodulation (laser)
Compression pump
Exercise prescription
Compression garment prescription
Compression bras
Appointments
Initial Consultation - 1 hour
Extended Consultation - 45 mins
Standard Consultation - 30 mins
Rebates
Private health fund rebates available for consultation and garments if eligible.
Medicare rebates available under GP Chronic Disease Management Plan if eligible.
Enable funded garment scheme available if eligible.
Founder & Physiotherapist
Heather York
Heather is a physiotherapist and accredited lymphoedema practitioner, experienced and highly skilled in the specialist areas of physiotherapy for breast cancer and early intervention for lymphoedema management.
She is registered with AHPRA and to maintain her specialist lymphoedema practitioner accreditation is committed to completing professional development annually and staying abreast of current research developments. Consequently her comprehensive assessment and development of a dynamically designed treatment plan is all underpinned by evidence based practice and education, therefore providing you with the best personalised program.
Heather has excellent relationships with other industry professionals allowing her to source a variety of garments and treatments to provide you with the best care for your specific condition.
Physiotherapist MPhty, USYD.
Provider number 491954DJ
Accredited Lymphoedema Practitioner, ALA
Memberships
Our Clinic
Kay Van Norton Centre for Wellbeing, Mater Hospital
The clinic is located in the Kay Van Norton Centre for Wellbeing, a beautiful, federation house in the grounds of the Mater Hospital in Sydney’s leafy lower north shore. It is dedicated to caring for anyone with cancer. Within the Centre are other therapists with different specialties and we work in a close collegial environment referring to one another and supporting best patient care. All the therapists who work within the Centre have strong professional relationships with local Breast and Cancer Surgeons, Oncologists, Radiation Oncologists and Breast Care Nurses who refer patients to the clinic.
