Logo - Full Circle Breast Cancer Recovery Program

Full Circle Physical Therapy Program for Breast Cancer Recovery

397 Willis Ave.
Williston Park, NY 11596
Phone: (516) 739-5503
Fax: (516) 739-5565
Email: Diana@
FullCircleBreastCancerPT.com

Located in the Bi-County Physical Therapy facility

SERVING THE LONG ISLAND AREA (NASSAU, SUFFOLK, QUEENS)

 

FULL CIRCLE BREAST CANCER RECOVERY PROGRAM Q&A

Why do I need physical therapy? How does PT help with breast cancer recovery?

How is physical therapy for breast cancer different from traditional forms of physical therapy?

What are some issues a specialist in breast cancer physical therapy is specifically trained to address?

What should I expect during my first regular visit?

What should I expect in follow-up visits?

How can I maintain my health after I'm discharged from physical therapy?

Does Full Circle accept my insurance?

What forms should I bring with me?

What are Diana Tjaden's credentials?

What have other patients' experiences with the Full Circle Breast Cancer Recovery Program been like?

 

20-MINUTE INTRODUCTORY CONSULTATION

Full Circle offers a complimentary initial consultation with Diana Tjaden at our Williston Park, Long Island, facility. Diana can explain the program to you more fully and answer any questions you may have. The consultation can be by phone if you prefer. Please call or email us to make arrangements.

About Diana Tjaden, PT, DPT, ATC


Continuing Education | Honors and Volunteer Experience
Professional Experience | Certifications | Education

Diana received her baccalaureate degree in exercise science and athletic training from the University of Georgia in 1996. She worked as the head athletic trainer for the Lynbrook School District from 1996-2000. Finding herself drawn to orthopedics and sports rehabilitation, she enrolled at Stony Brook University, earning a clinical doctorate in physical therapy in 2003. She started her career in a manual therapy setting that specialized in the comprehensive treatment of orthopedic, sports, neurological, and women's health-related conditions. During that time she was an adjunct professor for the Stony Brook University physical therapy program. While working at Stony Brook, she was afforded the opportunity to present her first lecture on breast cancer recovery and rehabilitation. Diana has also worked as a school-based pediatric therapist, where she provided services to children with autism as well as children with various orthopedic and neurological conditions.

Diana's passion for oncology rehabilitation began in 2000 with the cancer diagnosis and then passing of her father. It was during that time that she began to understand the strong impact physical therapists can have when caring for this population. In 2003 Diana treated her first patient who was going through treatment for breast cancer. Her quest for knowledge in this area led her to several continuing education courses. The importance of a physical therapist's role became even clearer to her, as did her understanding of the necessity of a full-body approach. She feels that manual therapy treatment is the cornerstone when it comes to regaining scar mobility, range of motion, and flexibility. Progressive strengthening and patient education complete the components needed to regain functional mobility.

In October of 2009 Diana developed Full Circle Breast Cancer Recovery Program. This comprehensive, individualized program is geared towards every phase of breast cancer recovery. Its goals are to educate patients on ways to regain control over their lives and give them the tools they need to return to their prior level of function and reach new fitness goals.

Diana is married to Gregg Tjaden and has two small children, Tyler and Isabella. She thanks Gregg for all of his support with the program.

Curriculum Vitae


   Continuing Education

  • Advanced Breast Cancer Rehabilitation: Northeast Seminars (2012)
  • The Institute of Physical Art: “Functional Mobilization Upper Quadrant” (2011)
  • “Breast Cancer Rehabilitation” - APTA Oncology Section (2011)
  • “A Comprehensive Approach to Breast Cancer Management” - North American Seminars (2010)
  • “Balance & Vestibular Training - Turning Testing into Treatment” - Catholic Home Care (2010)
  • “Recent Advances in the Evaluation & Treatment of the Shoulder” - Greater Northeast Seminars (2009)
  • “Breast Cancer Fitness”: Greater Northeast Seminars (2007)
  • Evidence in Motion: “Evidence-based Examination and Selected Interventions for Patients with Cervical Spine Disorders” (2007)
  • The Institute of Physical Art: “PNF 1”; (2007)
  • The Institute of Physical Art: “Lumbopelvic Integration” (2006,2007)
  • The Institute of Physical Art: “Cervicalthoracic Integration” (2007)
  • NAIOMPT: “The Lumbopelvic-Hip Complex” - Diane Lee (2006)
  • Sports Medicine for the Young Athlete - HSS (2006/2007)
  • “Rehabilitation for the Patient with Breast Cancer” - Linda Miller PT (2005)

   Honors and Volunteer Experience

  • Guest Lecturer for Adelphi University's "Paths to Wellness Program" for women recovering from breast cancer: "Full Function . . . Full Recovery . . . Full Life."
  • Guest Lecturer for various breast cancer support groups throughout Nassau and Suffolk Counties: Topic: Full Circle Breast Cancer Recovery Program (ongoing)
  • Guest Lecturer for Equinox Fitness Center: Topic: A Comprehensive Treatment Program for Patients with Breast Cancer (2006)
  • Volunteer for “Kick for the Cause” soccer tournament to raise money for breast cancer (2005/2006)
  • Physical Therapist for the Avon 3-Day Breast Cancer Crusade (2001, 2002, 2003, 2004)
  • Philadelphia 3-Day Breast Cancer Walk participant (2006)
  • Received “Distinguished Student Award” from Stony Brook physical therapy class (2003)
  • Named “Person of the Year” as an Athletic Trainer at Lynbrook High School (2000)

   Professional Experience

6/2011 - Present
Full Circle Breast Cancer Recovery Program, Williston Park, NY
Director & Developer

  • Provide patient treatments and perform daily tasks required to run a small business

10/2009 - 6/2011
Peak Performance Physical Therapy, Island Park, NY
Staff Physical Therapist

  • Developed and implemented Full Circle Breast Cancer Recovery Program. This program is geared toward regaining ROM, strength, and cardiovascular endurance for all patients throughout the spectrum of this disease.

6/2008 - 6/2011

  • Evaluated and treated orthopedic, post-surgical, sports injuries, and pediatric conditions in the outpatient setting

5/2008 - Present  
Catholic Home Care, Rockville Centre, NY
Home Care Therapist

  • Provided physical therapy services for orthopedic, neurological, and cardiac conditions with the goal of restoring capabilities and enhancing safety during ADLs
  • Initiated and maintained contact with RNs and MDs in order to determine the best plan of care

7/2005 - 6/2008
Body in Balance Physical Therapy, Hauppauge, NY
Senior Physical Therapist

  • Guided the treatment progressions designed by staff therapists and students to ensure that they are consistent and best suited to fit the patients needs
  • Managed daily operations for smooth patient treatment flow on the clinical floor, ensuring patient safety and satisfaction in the absence of the director

7/2003 - 6/2008
Staff Physical Therapist

  • Evaluated and treated a diverse population consisting mainly of orthopedic and sports injuries, as well as neurological, pediatric, and women’s health, in a manual outpatient setting
  • Provided manual techniques, neuromuscular re-education through prescriptive and corrective exercise, functional training, and sport specific exercise to patients of all ages
  • Shared knowledge of the body, injuries, posture, mechanics, exercise, and overall health and wellness with patients
  • Was evaluated and proven competent in manual therapy skills and knowledge of the spine and extremities by taking both practical and written exams prior to patient treatment
  • Mentored therapists and participated in manual therapy skill assessments on the spine and extremities. Performed scheduled inservices with the staff.

Clinical Instructor

  • Mentored 3rd-year physical therapy students for 16 weeks
  • Provided a positive learning environment, developed written objectives for a variety of learning experiences, organized activities to accomplish these objectives, and participated in a multifaceted process for evaluation of the clinical experience
  • Modified learning experiences to meet individual needs, objectives, and interests

9/2006 - 6/2008
Rick Johnson Physical Therapy, Hauppauge, NY
Paumonock Elementary School & Lindenhurst Elementary Schools

  • Provided school-based pediatric services to Half Hollow Hills & Lindenhurst School Districts
  • Provided services to children with autism, neurological, and orthopedic conditions
  • Determined IEP goals, wrote annual reports, and attended CSE meetings

1/2008 - 6/2008
Fast-Edge Performance Enhancement Center, Hauppauge, NY
Personal Trainer

  • Provided adult and child individual and group training sessions that included functional exercise, speed, agility, and plyometric activities

State University of New York at Stony Brook, Stony Brook, NY
Physical Therapy Adjunct Professor

  • Provided lab assistance during advanced therapeutic and wellness classes, focusing on manual techniques, prescriptive and corrective exercise, and women’s health
  • Gave 1.5-hour lecture on treating patients with Breast Cancer (’05)
  • Supervised 1.5-hour lab on foot and ankle taping techniques (’06)

6/1996 - 2003
Peak Performance Physical Therapy, Lynbrook, NY
Certified Athletic Trainer

  • Worked under the direct supervision of a Physical Therapist at this outpatient and sports facility
  • Designed and progressed rehabilitation programs for a population of all ages, following a wide variety of surgical procedures
  • Supervised aquatic therapy sessions; instructed and took care of patients
  • Communicated with clinicians and managerial staff; oversaw quality assurance

6/1996 - 2000
Lynbrook High School, Lynbrook, NY
Head Athletic Trainer for the Lynbrook School District

  • Handled all aspects of educational, medical, and rehabilitative services for more than 500 athletes at a Class B high school
  • Educated athletes on prevention of injuries, supplement use, nutrition, and hydration

   Certifications

  • NATA Certified Athletic Trainer - 1996
  • Certified NYS Soccer Coach - 1992

   Education

State University of New York at Stony Brook, Stony Brook, NY

Doctorate of Physical Therapy, 2003
Emphasis: Musculoskeletal Track

B.S. Health Sciences, 2001

University of Georgia, Athens, GA

B.A. Exercise Science, 1996
Emphasis: Athletic Training