ORSI

ORSI We are a dedicated team of health professionals providing best practice care for patients recovering from cancer treatment and for people with lymphoedema.

Integrative Clinic for Cancer Rehabilitation and Lymphoedema Management. Our services include: Physiotherapy, Massage, Pilates, Meditation, Psychology, Yoga and Acupuncture.

“I'm very enthusiastic about wearing my compression stockings.”This is not something we hear often but for our patient, ...
10/09/2026

“I'm very enthusiastic about wearing my compression stockings.”

This is not something we hear often but for our patient, David, they’ve become part of his daily routine.

After developing leg lymphoedema following treatment for prostate cancer, compression was initially another adjustment. Over time, with the right fit and support, he began to notice less heaviness and found it easier to stay active and walk longer distances.

Compression garments should be discussed as part of lymphoedema care. It can take a little while to get used to wearing them. Start slow and build up to the recommended use and always give feedback on how they feel so we can adjust them as needed.

When well fitted, compression garments can allow you to return to doing activities you love and feel supported.

Remember, they can lose effectiveness over time which is why it’s important to have them checked and updated regularly to ensure they continue providing the support you need. 💙

Physiotherapists support people before, during and after cancer treatment, helping to manage the physical effects of sur...
08/09/2026

Physiotherapists support people before, during and after cancer treatment, helping to manage the physical effects of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation.

Our role is broad and evidence-informed. It may include:
• Prehabilitation before treatment
• Exercise prescription
• Management of lymphoedema
• Rehabilitation after surgery
• Scar and soft tissue management
• Improving shoulder, neck and jaw function
• Cancer-related fatigue management
• Falls prevention and balance training
• Supporting a safe return to work, sport and everyday activities

Every person's needs are different, but everyone deserves access to rehabilitation that helps optimise recovery and quality of life.

On World Physiotherapy Day, we celebrate the contribution physiotherapists make across the entire continuum of cancer care.

Lymphoedema After Gynaecological Cancer: Know the Risks-Surgery: Extensive surgery, especially lymph node removal, can i...
01/09/2026

Lymphoedema After Gynaecological Cancer: Know the Risks

-Surgery: Extensive surgery, especially lymph node removal, can increase your risk of lymphoedema.
-Radiation Therapy: An increased risk if you had radiation therapy to the pelvic area.
-Advanced Cancer Stage: Later stages of cancer may also raise your risk.
-Weight & Infections: Obesity, infections, and genetic factors can also play a role.

Reducing Your Risk of Lymphoedema:
✅Maintain a healthy weight.
✅Protect your skin from cuts, burns, and insect bites.
✅Avoid tight clothing and heat exposure in the affected area.
✅Stay active within your comfort level.

Early Intervention Matters: If you notice any symptoms, consult your healthcare provider promptly.

Look out for:
-swelling in your legs, feet, or ge****ls
-feeling of heaviness or tightness in the affected area
-difficulty fitting into clothes or shoes
-skin changes, such as thickening or hardening

Compression therapy is the cornerstone of lymphoedema management.When well fitted, they help support the lymphatic syste...
27/08/2026

Compression therapy is the cornerstone of lymphoedema management.

When well fitted, they help support the lymphatic system, maintain limb volume, improve comfort and assist with long-term management.

Medical grade compression garments come in a wide range of:

-Styles
-Fabrics
-Compression classes, prescribed according to your condition and treatment goals
-Colours and design options to suit different lifestyles

Compression garments need to be professionally measured and fitted to ensure they provide the correct level of compression without compromising comfort or function.

Compression garments also lose their elasticity over time. Even when they still look in good condition, they require regular replacement to maintain their therapeutic effect.

The right garment, fitted correctly and reviewed regularly, makes a significant difference to comfort, function and long-term lymphoedema management.

Exercise is one of the most effective ways to support your body during and after cancer treatment.Cancer treatment can l...
25/08/2026

Exercise is one of the most effective ways to support your body during and after cancer treatment.

Cancer treatment can lead to reduced strength, fatigue, loss of muscle mass, decreased fitness and difficulty returning to everyday activities.

Exercise therapy is a structured, evidence-based approach that uses individually prescribed movement to help improve physical function throughout treatment and recovery. Programs are tailored to each person's diagnosis, treatment, current fitness and goals.

Depending on your needs, exercise therapy may help:
• Improve strength and endurance
• Reduce cancer-related fatigue
• Maintain or rebuild muscle mass
• Improve balance and mobility
• Support bone health
• Increase confidence with movement
• Assist with returning to work, hobbies and everyday activities

At ORSI, exercise therapy forms part of your overall rehabilitation plan. It works alongside physiotherapy and other supportive therapies to help you move safely, regain function and build confidence at every stage of recovery.

Starting early often provides the greatest benefit, but it's never too late to begin. The right program at the right time can make a meaningful difference to your recovery and quality of life.

To learn what type of exercise therapy is appropriate for you, speak with our team.
☎️ 8018 8240
💻️ [email protected]

Not all massage therapy is the same.Different massage techniques are used for different clinical goals, which is why und...
20/08/2026

Not all massage therapy is the same.

Different massage techniques are used for different clinical goals, which is why understanding the purpose of each approach can help you access the most appropriate care.

Pain, muscle tightness, reduced mobility, swelling and cancer treatment-related side effects each require different assessment and treatment strategies.

Here's how the three main approaches differ:

🔹 Oncology massage
Adapted techniques designed for people undergoing or recovering from cancer treatment. Treatment is tailored to each person's medical history, current health, symptoms and treatment-related side effects, with the aim of improving comfort, reducing pain and supporting wellbeing.

🔹 Remedial massage
Targeted techniques used to address muscle tightness, improve soft tissue mobility, reduce pain and support functional movement.

🔹 Lymphatic massage
Gentle, specialised techniques that encourage lymphatic flow to help manage lymphoedema and other forms of swelling. Treatment is often combined with compression therapy, exercise and skin care as part of a comprehensive management plan.

The right type of massage depends on your individual needs, goals and medical history. An assessment by a qualified therapist helps determine the most appropriate approach for your situation.

18/08/2026

Every therapist at our clinic begins their professional journey under the mentorship of our Principal Physiotherapist, Orsi Kokai.

With more than 20 years of experience in oncology physiotherapy, Orsi is committed to advancing cancer rehabilitation while supporting the next generation of clinicians. Her mentorship combines evidence-based practice, hands-on clinical guidance, and shared experience to help therapists develop strong clinical reasoning and confidence.

Through structured mentoring, regular case discussions, and ongoing professional development, our team continues to strengthen the knowledge and skills needed to deliver safe, compassionate, and high-quality rehabilitation for people affected by cancer.

This commitment to mentorship helps ensure every patient receives consistent, evidence-based care, regardless of which therapist they see.

Exercising during or after cancer treatment can feel daunting. Fatigue, reduced strength, pain, balance changes and unce...
13/08/2026

Exercising during or after cancer treatment can feel daunting. Fatigue, reduced strength, pain, balance changes and uncertainty about what is safe can make it difficult to know where to begin.

We keep our Pilates classes small, with a maximum of three participants, so every person receives individualised guidance throughout the session. This allows our physiotherapists to adapt each exercise to the person's surgery, treatment, current abilities and recovery goals, while closely monitoring technique and progressing exercises safely.

Pilates helps restore strength, posture, balance, flexibility and movement confidence. These are all important components of cancer rehabilitation and returning to everyday activities.

If you're looking for a supportive environment to rebuild strength and confidence, we'd love to welcome you to one of our small-group Pilates classes.

There is often a period of time between a cancer diagnosis and the beginning of treatment that can be used to proactivel...
11/08/2026

There is often a period of time between a cancer diagnosis and the beginning of treatment that can be used to proactively support the body and mind before treatment starts.

This is known as prehabilitation (“prehab”); care provided before surgery or treatment to help improve strength, fitness, confidence and recovery outcomes. Instead of waiting until after treatment to begin rehabilitation, prehab focuses on preparing beforehand.

Depending on the individual and treatment plan, prehab may include:
🔹 A pre-operative assessment
🔹 Individualised exercise therapy
🔹 Baseline measurements
🔹 Lymphoedema education
🔹 Guidance around recovery and what to expect during treatment

Education and reassurance are an important part of prehab. Having a better understanding of treatment, recovery and potential side effects can help people feel more informed, supported and confident heading into this next stage of care.

Research has shown that prehabilitation may help reduce anxiety, improve physical function and support better recovery outcomes following treatment 💙

If you are preparing for cancer treatment or surgery, appointments can be booked via:
📞 02 8018 8240
✉️ [email protected]

Shoulder dysfunction after a neck dissection.A neck dissection is a surgical procedure performed to remove lymph nodes i...
05/08/2026

Shoulder dysfunction after a neck dissection.

A neck dissection is a surgical procedure performed to remove lymph nodes in the neck when head and neck cancer has spread, or is at risk of spreading beyond the original tumour.

During surgery, the spinal accessory nerve is often carefully preserved. This nerve supplies the trapezius muscle, which plays an essential role in lifting, stabilising and controlling the shoulder. Even when the nerve is not cut, it can be stretched or irritated during surgery, leading to shoulder pain, weakness, reduced range of movement and difficulty with everyday activities.

Early physiotherapy can help restore shoulder function through targeted strengthening, mobility exercises, scar management, posture retraining and individualised rehabilitation. The earlier these problems are identified, the greater the opportunity to optimise recovery.

If you've had a neck dissection and your shoulder doesn't feel the same, don't assume it's just part of recovery. A specialist assessment can help identify the cause and guide the most appropriate rehabilitation.

Address

27 Grosvenor Street
Woollahra, NSW
2025

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 5pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 5pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 5pm
Thursday 8:30am - 5pm
Friday 8:30am - 5pm
Saturday 8:30am - 3pm

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