What are the 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

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.

27/07/2026

Let's for World Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Day.

When Michael was diagnosed with tongue cancer, his focus was on getting through treatment. Like many people, he didn't anticipate the physical challenges that can occur during, and continue after treatment has finished.

Treatment for head and neck cancer can result in persistent treatment-related toxicities, including lymphoedema, neck, shoulder and jaw dysfunction, swallowing difficulties, speech changes, pain and fatigue. These complications can significantly impact quality of life, limit social participation and delay return to work.

Early assessment and proactive management aim to identify and address treatment-related toxicities as they emerge, helping to minimise long-term impairment.

By sharing his experience, Michael is helping raise awareness of the physical challenges many people experience during and after treatment for head and neck cancer.

We hope his story encourages greater recognition of the important role timely rehabilitation plays as part of comprehensive cancer care and inspires people experiencing side effects to seek appropriate support.

Thank you, Michael, for sharing your story.

25/07/2026

Project Weave a Scar: Community Workshop

We're excited to invite you to Project Weave a Scar, a community workshop presented in collaboration with contemporary fibre artist Catriona Pollard and the Tree Veneration Society.

Using natural paper cord, participants will learn the ancient technique of looping before introducing a contrasting fibre to "repair" a deliberate opening in the weave. Inspired by Japanese sashiko and visible mending, the scar becomes the most important part of the piece rather than something to hide, reflecting healing, resilience and the stories our scars can tell.

Slow, rhythmic and easy to learn, this workshop is suitable for beginners and offers a calming, mindful creative experience.

📅 Thursday 13 August
🕠 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
📍 Tech Room, Woollahra Library at Double Bay
📧 Bookings are essential as places are limited. To confirm your attendance, please email: [email protected]

This event is proudly supported by Woollahra Council.

22/07/2026

For many people, finishing chemotherapy, radiotherapy or surgery is expected to mark the end of cancer care.

In reality, this is often when a different set of challenges begins.

You may be experiencing:
• Persistent fatigue
• Pain or tightness
• Lymphoedema
• Reduced strength and fitness
• Changes in balance or sensation
• Feeling apprehensive about returning to exercise, work or the activities you enjoy

These issues are common, but they are not something you have to live with.

Cancer rehabilitation focuses on identifying these problems early and providing strategies to help you regain function, independence and confidence.

Our multidisciplinary team works together to develop an individualised rehabilitation plan that evolves with your needs. Whether you're currently undergoing treatment, or months or even years beyond it, there are strategies to improve your quality of life.

20/07/2026

Whether you're flying interstate or heading overseas, travel can place extra demands on your lymphatic system. Changes in routine, prolonged sitting, hot and humid climates, and carrying luggage can all contribute to an increase in swelling.

Before you travel, consider:
✔ Have your lymphoedema reviewed and your compression garments checked for fit.
✔ Measure your L-Dex before you leave & again when you return to monitor any changes.
✔ Book a lymphatic drainage treatment before travelling to help optimise lymphatic flow.
✔ Stay well hydrated and limit alcohol and excess caffeine.
✔ Wear non-restrictive clothing & your prescribed compression garments, particularly during flights.
✔ Move regularly during long journeys by standing, stretching or walking whenever possible.
✔ Use lightweight luggage with wheels and avoid heavy lifting.
✔ Protect your skin with moisturiser, sunscreen, insect repellent to reduce the risk of infection.
✔ If travelling to a hot or humid destination, avoid prolonged exposure to heat where possible, seek shade, and keep cool, as heat can increase swelling in some people.

With a little planning and appropriate monitoring, most people with lymphoedema can continue to enjoy holidays, family visits and new adventures safely.

If you're planning a trip, speak with your lymphoedema therapist beforehand so you have a personalised plan to help keep your lymphoedema well managed while you're away.

15/07/2026

“HOW you eat is just as important as WHAT you eat.

One of our head and neck cancer patients, Bob, shared what life has been like after treatment.

His cancer was successfully treated with chemo and radiation but the long-term effects continue to shape his everyday life.

He now lives with:
• Dry mouth due to reduced saliva production.
• Jaw tightness, making it difficult to open his mouth fully.
• Internal lymphoedema, causing a sensation of throat tightness and making swallowing more challenging.

These are side effects most people don't expect, yet they can affect every meal, every social gathering, and every day.

Some of the strategies that have helped him include:
• Taking small bites and chewing thoroughly.
• Sipping water with every mouthful to compensate for reduced saliva.
• Choosing softer foods that are easier to swallow.
• Slowing down and allowing time to eat comfortably.
• Staying physically active to rebuild strength and improve overall wellbeing.

If swallowing, jaw tightness, neck swelling or eating have become more difficult since treatment, know that these challenges are common and there are healthcare professionals who can help.

Early assessment and individualised rehabilitation can improve comfort, confidence and quality of life.

Recovery after head and neck cancer is about learning new ways to manage lasting changes while continuing to enjoy life.

13/07/2026

OSTEOFIT: exercise therapy for bone health 💙

Our Osteo Fit classes are designed to help improve strength, balance and bone health through supervised exercise therapy in a small-group setting.

With a maximum of 3 people per class, the sessions allow for closer supervision and guidance throughout the program.

Beyond just exercise therapy, many people also enjoy the social side of the classes: seeing familiar faces each week, moving together and supporting one another.

📍Small group classes (max. 3 people)
📅 8-week program
📋 1:1 assessment required prior to joining the class
💙 Suitable for people during or after cancer treatment, or those looking to improve bone health

To learn more or book your Osteo Fit assessment:
📞 02 8018 8240
✉️ [email protected]

08/07/2026

Head & Neck Cancer Awareness Month: Meet Kim

Throughout July, we're sharing the stories of people living with and beyond head and neck cancer to raise awareness of the challenges that can continue long after treatment has finished.

Meet Kim.

Kim was diagnosed with Stage IV squamous cell carcinoma of the lower jaw, with spread to the lymph nodes.

Her treatment included major reconstructive surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Following treatment, she experienced several complications, including pulmonary emboli and osteoradionecrosis, requiring further reconstructive surgery.

When asked what has been the most challenging part of recovery, Kim shared:

"Speaking, trismus, swallowing and eating solid food, socialising in public, learning to slow down and give myself time to heal, and looking after my mental health."

These are common challenges experienced by many people following head and neck cancer treatment, yet they are often not widely understood.

Reflecting on rehabilitation, Kim said:

"Recovery has been slow because of so many complications. My speech, trismus, jaw soreness and neck movement have been my biggest challenges. Over time I became more comfortable with treatment, and I've noticed enough improvement in my neck movement that I've been able to return to swimming laps, something that has helped me both physically and mentally."

When asked what she is most grateful for, Kim's answer was simple:

"Life. My family and friends. My healthcare team. Being able to enjoy the small things again, especially swimming."

Finally, Kim wanted to share this message with others facing head and neck cancer:

"Every little gain is still a positive gain. Give yourself time to heal. Take small steps. Ask for help when you need it, and don't overlook your mental health. Recovery is different for everyone, and learning to accept the new you takes time. My motto is: 'Life is a blessing, and a blessing is life.'"

Kim has kindly shared her experience to help raise awareness of the long-term impacts of head and neck cancer and to encourage others to seek support when they need it.

This story reflects one person's individual experience. Recovery following head and neck cancer varies between individuals depending on diagnosis, treatment and other personal factors.

07/07/2026

Can’t make it into the clinic?

Our physiotherapists offer Telehealth appointments, so you can access care wherever you are.

For many people during or after cancer treatment, getting to appointments isn’t always easy, whether due to fatigue, reduced immunity, or not being able to travel. With Telehealth you can continue your treatment from the comfort of your home.

Through Telehealth, we can:
🔹 review how things have been progressing between sessions
🔹 guide you through exercises
🔹 problem-solve any changes or new symptoms
🔹 support self-management strategies at home
🔹 provide reassurance around what you’re experiencing

It’s a practical and flexible way to stay connected, continue your care and maintain consistency, even when you’re not physically in the clinic.

Book your Telehealth appointment:
📞 02 8018 8240
📧 [email protected]

01/07/2026

Not all massage therapy is the same.

There are different types of massage techniques, each with a specific purpose depending on what your body is experiencing.

Pain, muscle tightness, swelling, and treatment-related side effects can each require a different approach. Understanding the purpose of different massage techniques can help ensure treatment is matched to the underlying issue.

At ORSI, we offer three types of massage therapy:

🔹 Oncology Massage
Designed to support people during and after cancer treatment. Treatment may assist with pain, fatigue, and stress, while taking individual medical considerations into account.

🔹 Remedial Massage
Targeted treatment for muscle tightness, restricted movement, and soft tissue dysfunction. Often used to improve mobility, reduce discomfort, and support functional movement.

🔹 Lymphatic Massage
Gentle, structured techniques that assist lymphatic drainage and support the management of swelling and fluid build-up, including lymphoedema.

The most effective treatment is not necessarily the firmest or most intensive. It is the approach that best matches the condition being treated.

If you're unsure which type of massage may be appropriate, our team can help guide you towards the most suitable option for your needs.

29/06/2026

Innovation in healthcare is strongest when researchers, engineers and clinicians work together.

Last week, our team had the opportunity to host an in-service with the UNSW research team behind the SmarTex project, led by Dr Phuoc Thien Phan. Their work is exploring wearable soft robotic technology capable of delivering wearable smart compression.

For us, the discussion centred on one critical question:

How accurately can we quantify the pressure being applied to the tissue?

It's a question that has shaped much of Orsi's research. During her Higher Degree by Research Master's, she investigated the accuracy of interface pressure measuring devices and the pressure delivered by compression garments in the management of upper limb lymphoedema.

One of her recommendations to optimise this innovative garment was to incorporate objective pressure measurement into the technology. More precise data on the applied pressure has the potential to improve garment prescription, optimise treatment and ultimately enhance patient outcomes.

It was encouraging to see these ideas spark further discussion. Translating research into clinical practice requires exactly this type of collaboration, where engineering innovation is guided by clinical experience.

We look forward to seeing how this technology evolves and the impact it may have on the future of compression therapy.

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

Website

http://www.oncologyrecovery.com.au/

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