UNC Health Pardee Adds On-Site Cancer Physical Therapy

Cancer treatment is hard enough without having to drive across town for physical therapy appointments.

UNC Health Pardee in Hendersonville, North Carolina, just solved that problem by opening specialized rehabilitation services right inside its cancer center on May 11. Patients can now receive physical therapy as part of their routine cancer appointments, all under one roof.

The new space on the second floor of the Pardee Cancer Center focuses on two critical needs that many cancer patients face. The first is treating lymphedema, the painful swelling that can develop in arms and legs during or after cancer treatment. The second is helping breast cancer patients regain mobility in their arms and shoulders after radiation therapy or surgery.

"This new space allows us to better support our patients' quality of life during and after cancer treatment," said Dr. John Hill, medical director of the Pardee Cancer Center. He emphasized that integrating rehabilitation directly into cancer care removes barriers and ensures patients get comprehensive, coordinated treatment.

For someone undergoing chemotherapy or radiation, adding another medical appointment at another location can feel overwhelming. The simple act of consolidating care in one building means less travel, less stress, and fewer logistical headaches during an already exhausting time.

Why This Inspires

This expansion represents a shift toward treating the whole person, not just the disease. Physical therapy might seem like a small piece of cancer care, but for patients struggling with mobility or painful swelling, it can make the difference between independence and disability.

By recognizing that cancer treatment affects the entire body and building services to match, UNC Health Pardee is modeling what patient-centered care should look like. It's the kind of common-sense solution that other hospitals would do well to copy.

Patients interested in scheduling an appointment with the new oncology rehabilitation program can call 828-435-8340. Sometimes progress isn't a breakthrough drug or cutting-edge technology, it's simply bringing the right care to the right place at the right time.