5 Minutes with Koromiko Physiotherapy | Your Cancer Services

12 July 2023 — david-allen

Oncology physiotherapy is a specialised area of physiotherapy that focuses on the rehabilitation and management of individuals who have or have had cancer. It involves the assessment and treatment of physical impairments and functional limitations that may arise as a result of cancer and its treatment. Koromiko Physiotherapy aims to help manage symptoms such as pain, fatigue, and lymphoedema, and also address issues related to mobility, strength, and balance. We spoke to founder, Lindsay Montgomery to find out more.

Tell us about Koromiko Physiotherapy?

I started Koromiko Physiotherapy at the beginning of 2023 after moving back from working overseas in Wellington, New Zealand. I was offering Oncology Physiotherapy over in New Zealand and thoroughly enjoyed my work. Upon return to Newcastle upon Tyne (where I studied), I realised there was a huge gap in the Physiotherapy services provided for this group of individual here in relation to New Zealand. My mission is to support those affected by Cancer by helping them before, during and after their cancer treatment.

How can Physiotherapy help following a cancer diagnosis?

• Pre Op Phase – designed to help patients before cancer surgery and involves a pre-op assessment and education to identify any factors that may affect recovery from surgery and return to work. 
• Post Op Phase – designed to assist the healing process post-surgery. It aims to restore strength and flexibility to particular joints and muscle groups that have become weak and inflexible as a result of surgery.  Includes modified exercises to maximise recovery from surgery, education, and functional guidance for home and work.  
• Adjuvant Cancer Treatment Phase – designed to improve energy levels and maintain health during cancer treatments to reduce the impact on physical functioning and overall conditioning.  It aims to help patients manage fatigue, restore post-op flexibility and strength, and reduce time off work, muscle wasting, and functional impairment. 
• Fitness / Survivorship Phase – Designed to facilitate overall conditioning to increase physical stamina after treatments are completed to maximise return to work and a full and productive life.   It aims to improve cardiovascular fitness, strength, and flexibility to increase endurance, improve muscle tone and body composition.  Designed to motivate and encourage good exercise habits for life.

What services do you offer people living with cancer?

I offer both online services across the UK and a number of services locally in Newcastle upon Tyne. Online services include 1:1 online Physiotherapy appointments aiming to educate and empower patients on what they can do themselves to optimise their cancer journey. I also offer online 1:1 or small group Pilates classes led by a qualified Oncology Physiotherapist that allows clients to exercise regularly and safely from the comfort of their own home. Locally, I offer 1:1 oncology massages, physiotherapy appointments and small group exercise classes.

How are you funded?

At present, for all online appointments/classes and individual ‘in-person’ appointments, my clients are self-funding . However, the local small group classes are funded by a Local Charity ‘Live Well with Cancer’ and we have exciting plans to continue to build on the current funded services on offer in the local area.

What’s the most rewarding thing about the work you do?

My work has so many rewarding aspects to it, and I absolutely love it. I love being able to meet and work with so many different individuals who are going through a challenging period in their lives. It is such an honour to work with them and create a safe, and supportive environment, for these people. My main mission is to allow them to continue or return to doing the things that the love most and it is so rewarding witnessing their journey or hearing their stories.

What would you say to those who are considering getting in touch with you but are nervous or apprehensive?

Please don’t be, please feel free to drop me an email or give me a phone call to discuss your situation before you make any commitments. I promise I do not bite, I aim to create an open and safe space for you to share any concerns, discuss what you would like support with and if I’m not the one to help then I will do my best to find out who would be the best person to support you. Any sessions that you do have with me, are completely adjusted to suit you and your goals. Cancer affects everyone differently and every individual has different goals or different values or things that are important to them so all my sessions differ depending on what you want.

What are Koromiko Physiotherapy’s values?

Kindness – showing respect, patience and empathy to all.
Empathy – able to provide a safe space for individuals to share their journey and experience.
Creativity – be able to adapt to each individual and provide an individualised service.
Playful – Creating a relaxing, fun and friendly environment with aim to move away from the clinical overload individuals experience during their cancer treatment, it’s a time to be you, instead of a ‘patient’. 

And finally, can you describe your organisation in 3 words?

Safe, fun and motivating