PHYSICAL THERAPY IN THE ROANOKE VALLEY
Specialized care for recovery and life beyond cancer.
Personalized physical therapy for lymphedema, oncology rehabilitation, post-surgical recovery, and lipedema. Compassionate, one-on-one care focused on helping you move better, feel stronger, and improve your quality of life.
BEYOND TREATMENT
Your treatment may be over. The physical effects may not be.
Cancer treatment, surgery, and lymphatic conditions can change the way your body feels and moves. From swelling and fatigue to weakness, nerve symptoms, and limited mobility, specialized physical therapy can help you manage these challenges and regain confidence in everyday life.
You may benefit from care if you are experiencing:
Swelling, heaviness, or discomfort
Limited range of motion
Tightness after surgery or radiation
Scar tissue restrictions
Lymphedema or lipedema
Cancer-related fatigue or weakness
Numbness, tingling, or balance changes
Difficulty returning to everyday activities
HOW I CAN HELP
Specialized care. Personalized to you.
No two recovery journeys look the same. Your physical therapy shouldn't either. Each treatment plan is built around your symptoms, goals, and individual needs.
01 / CORE
Lymphedema Therapy
Best for swelling
Personalized treatment to help manage swelling, discomfort, and lymphatic changes through manual lymphatic drainage, multilayer short-stretch compression bandaging, compression garments, and therapeutic exercise.
02
Oncology Rehabilitation
Best for strength + mobility
Specialized physical therapy to address cancer-related fatigue, weakness, mobility limitations, and treatment-related changes, including chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. Care focuses on improving strength, balance, endurance, and daily function.
03
Post-Surgical Recovery
Best for surgical recovery
Individualized care to restore movement, manage tightness, and improve comfort following mastectomy, lumpectomy, lymph node procedures, reconstruction, and other surgeries. Treatment may include therapeutic exercise, soft-tissue techniques, and scar mobility work.
04
Lipedema Support
Best for symptom management
Supportive physical therapy focused on managing symptoms, improving mobility, and maintaining strength. Treatment may include compression strategies, therapeutic exercise, patient education, and individualized approaches to daily comfort.
ABOUT DR. HEATHER SAUNDERS, PT, DPT, CLT
Specialized knowledge. Compassionate care. A personal approach.
Physical Therapist and Certified Lymphedema Therapist
Heather Saunders, PT, DPT, CLT, is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and Certified Lymphedema Therapist with over six years of experience helping patients improve mobility, function, and quality of life. A graduate of Radford University, Heather has spent more than three years specializing in oncology rehabilitation, providing compassionate, individualized care for patients navigating cancer treatment and recovery.
Proud to call Roanoke home, Heather is dedicated to supporting the health and wellness of her community. Her approach combines specialized clinical knowledge with personalized, one-on-one attention, helping each patient feel understood, supported, and empowered throughout their rehabilitation journey.
FAITH THROUGH EVERY SEASON
ROMANS 8:35–37 · ADAPTED EXCERPT
ONE SESSION. MULTIPLE APPROACHES.
Care that adapts to what your body needs that day.
Your needs can change throughout treatment and recovery. Sessions may combine manual lymphatic drainage, compression therapy, therapeutic exercise, scar and soft-tissue mobilization, and techniques such as vibration, Graston, and cupping. Each approach is selected based on your individual needs, with personalized home exercises to support continued progress.
PATIENT EXPERIENCES
Care that makes a difference beyond the appointment.
Recovery is personal, and so is the care Heather provides. Hear from patients about feeling supported, managing their symptoms, and finding greater confidence throughout their treatment journeys.
PATIENT EXPERIENCE / 01
"The peace of mind is truly invaluable."
"Thanks to her expertise, dedication, and attentive care, my condition has remained well controlled and has not progressed since I began treatment with her."
Lymphedema Patient
Lenore
PATIENT EXPERIENCE / 02
“Within a couple months, I felt more like my former self before breast cancer.”
“Along with therapy, Heather taught me how to do manual lymphatic drainage, helped me order the best support bras, and had me emotionally back where I needed to be.”
Post-Cancer Lymphedema Patient
Michelle
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Questions before getting started?
Getting started with specialized physical therapy should feel simple. Here are answers to common questions about appointments, insurance, and what to expect.
Do I need a referral from my doctor?
Do you accept insurance?
Where do appointments take place?
What happens during the first visit?
Do you offer mobile physical therapy appointments?
GET STARTED
Request an appointment or submit a referral.
Whether you are seeking care for yourself or referring a patient, complete the form and we will follow up to discuss next steps.
Physical therapy for the Roanoke Valley.
LOC Physical Therapy Services
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