Physiotherapy: Cancer Rehabilitation and Wellness
Julie Allen is like many cancer survivors. Her early career was filled with success as a sports physiotherapist who travelled with Australia’s top international sporting teams including the Australian Hockeyroos, Queensland Firebirds, the Brisbane Blades and Queensland Netball State teams. Her passion was rehabilitation after injury, helping athletes recover and return either to full function or transition to life post sport.
When Julie had her first child, she moved to a clinic that specialised in treating chronic back and neck pain. Rehabilitation and pain management continued to be her interest and she loved helping her clients rediscover what was possible.
Then her world crashed down around her with her diagnosis and treatment for Non Hodgkins Lymphoma. Even with all she knew, Julie was not prepared for the aching vulnerability and the feelings of rawness.
While her doctors were telling her that her numbers were great, her body was deconditioned and she felt so unwell after treatment that she didn’t know where to begin to get her life or body back.
She began her path to cancer rehabilitation, creating and then putting herself through a rehabilitation and pain management program based on her years of clinical experience.
Now in remission, Julie formed The Pentimento Project to help, guide, support and encourage other cancer survivors to regain their physical, psychological and social health and wellbeing and better sense of self.
Julie has a Bachelor of Physiotherapy with first class honours from the University of Queensland, and is a member of Australian Physiotherapy Association.