Announcement: TurningPoint is now Iris — bringing resilience, dignity, and renewal to breast cancer rehabilitation.
Learn more

Patient

Resources

Explore helpful videos and answers to common questions to support your recovery.

Videos

Explore Our Educational Video Library

These videos are designed to support your recovery journey, but we recommend consulting your healthcare provider or physical therapist to ensure they’re right for you and to learn how to use them safely.

FAQs

Find answers to your most pressing questions about our services and support.

As a new patient, what is required for my first appointment?

Before your first appointment, please fax your referral from your healthcare provider and complete the new patient forms available on our website. Once you've submitted your forms, please call our office to schedule an appointment if you haven’t already received a call from a member of our staff.

Do you accept my insurance?

We are in-network with most insurance providers. We also have a financial assistance program to ensure that no patient in need of care is ever turned away.

How do I apply for financial assistance?

To apply, simply complete a brief application on our website with some basic information. Once submitted, a staff member will reach out to discuss the available coverage options and guide you through the next steps of the process.

I am a returning patient. What is required prior to my appointment?

Our office will email you the return patient forms to be filled out prior to your appointment. If you have been absent for more than three months or have had a new surgery since your last visit, we will need a new referral from your healthcare provider.

I deal with other medical conditions that make exercise difficult.

If you have other health conditions, finding the right type of exercise can feel challenging. The good news is that exercise is safe and beneficial for many medical concerns. A supervised, individualized program led by a trained professional can tailor movements, intensity, and progression to your specific needs — ensuring safety while improving strength, function, and overall health.

Is it safe for me to lift weights with lymphedema?

Yes! Always talk with your doctor before starting an exercise program. Gradual progressive strength training is safe and recommended for most people with lymphedema. The lymphatic system relies on both intrinsic contractions and extrinsic skeletal muscle pumping. Research shows that stronger contractions increase lymph flow, improving function and quality of life without worsening swelling.

Should I exercise during chemotherapy and radiation?

Yes! Research shows that each bout of exercise temporarily shifts the body's internal environment in ways that help treatments reach their targets more efficiently while reducing side effects or complications.

What services do you offer?

Iris provides a comprehensive range of specialized resources to support patients, survivors and care partners throughout every stage of the breast cancer journey. Our services include:

  • Physical therapy
  • Professional counseling
  • Exercise programs
  • Nutrition programs
  • Massage therapy

Beyond clinical services, we provide educational workshops and outreach initiatives focused on breast cancer rehabilitation, and wellness strategies to empower patients, survivors and care partners with knowledge and resources.

What should I expect after I exercise?

It is common for areas affected by lymphedema to feel temporarily fuller, heavier, or more swollen during or after exercise as blood flow increases and fluid shifts. These changes are a normal response to exercise and typically resolve within 24-48 hours as the lymphatic system catches up and returns to its usual baseline.

You may also experience Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS), a normal response to exercise. Which is when the muscles become tender and stiff, occurring 12-72 hours after a workout. The key to better recovery is light activity because it can increase bloodflow, support nutrient delivery, and help decrease stiffness and soreness without strain.

What should I expect when I exercise?

During aerobic exercise (walking, jogging, cycling, swimming), your heart beats faster, breathing deepens, and you may feel warmer or start to sweat. You shouldn’t feel pain, though mild muscle stiffness may appear the next day and will fade in a few days. Exercise often becomes easier after several weeks, especially post-treatment.

Muscle-strengthening exercises make your muscles work, like lifting something heavy. You shouldn’t feel pain, though soreness or stiffness can last a couple of days. Gentle massage may help.

What should I wear to my appointment?

We recommend wearing something comfortable that is easy to move in while stretching and exercising.

What type of patients do you treat?

We specialize in the treatment of individuals of all ages who have been diagnosed with breast cancer, are currently undergoing treatment, are living in survivorship, or are at an increased risk of developing breast cancer. This includes those with genetic predispositions, family history, or other risk factors who seek preventive education and support. We also evaluate patients preoperatively and provide information on what to expect during the post-operative recovery phase and beyond.

Where do I begin my exercise journey?

Schedule a One-Time Consultation!

Don’t wait for the perfect program—starting is more important than perfect timing. Begin with small, manageable activity and gradually increase the duration, intensity, or frequency over time. Even short bouts of movement throughout the day are beneficial, and consistency matters more than doing it all at once.

Why should I exercise after a cancer diagnosis?

Exercise can act as medicine after a cancer diagnosis. The body undergoes significant stress from both the disease and its treatments. Regular exercise helps regulate inflammation, maintain muscle mass, protect cardiovascular health, and improves physical function. When properly prescribed and timed, exercise can reduce complications, enhance QoL, and support better overall outcomes.

Why should I participate in Iris exercise offerings?

Iris exercise offerings are specifically designed for individuals impacted by breast cancer and supervised by trained exercise oncology professionals. We offer significant price reductions to decrease financial barriers and increase access to high-quality, specialized exercise care. All 1:1 program and small group fitness classes are tailored to treatment and recovery to safely rebuild strength, improve function, and reduce treatment-related side effects.

Still Have Questions?

We're here to help!