Our Vision
Fit to Fight is a nonprofit organization dedicated to research, outreach, physical therapy evaluation and intervention, and empowering individuals through mind-body-spirit activities and education.
​
If you have questions about which sector of Fit to Fight is the right place for you to start, check out this questionnaire.
​
~If you answer yes to any of the questions in the first section Fit to Fight Rehabilitation at Alpine Physical Therapy is the best place to start.
​
~If you answer yes to any of the questions in the second section Fit to Fight Research at the UM Cardiopulmonary & Cancer Rehabilitation Laboratory is the best place to start.
​
​~If you answer no to all questions in the first two categories Fit to Fight Training at Silver Linings is the best place to start. Please note that Silver Linings is currently only available to breast cancer patients and survivors.
​
​
​
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs about Fit to Fight Rehabilitation at Alpine Physical Therapy:
​
1. What is oncology rehabilitation/physical therapy? Individualized guided exercise, soft tissue mobilization, motor control training and activity modification during and after your cancer diagnosis enhances your overall quality of life by increasing your endurance and strength, improving chemotherapy drug effectiveness and lessening side effects, decreasing the likelihood of lymphedema development and improving lymphedema flares if they do occur. Specific and individualized exercise through cancer treatment can also help prevent loss of range of motion, strength and mobility.
2. Why physical therapy instead of a group exercise class? Physical therapy will allow you to work one on one with a skilled oncology trained physical therapist who can provide you with individualized exercise, hands on interventions, fatigue management techniques, and activity modifications based on your current status, including: strength, functional mobility, balance, surgical status, and radiation/chemotherapy treatment side-effects.
3. What is the cost of physical therapy? Alpine PT is a preferred provider with most insurances and will work with your insurance to ensure a smooth interaction and timely and proper payment. We accept cash, checks, debit cards, as well as Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express credit cards. If you have questions regarding insurance benefits, pre-authorization, payment, or your bill, please contact Alpine Physical Therapy.
​
FAQs about Fit to Fight Research at the Cardiopulmonary & Cancer Rehabilitation Laboratory:
​
1. Who is eligible for the upcoming cancer rehabilitation programs? We have several research initiatives for people that have been recently diagnosed with cancer and are undergoing treatment (including chemotherapy, radiation, hormonal therapy, etc.). For those living in rural areas (outside of Missoula), we will soon begin a telehealth exercise rehabilitation program. Separately, we will have group fitness classes in our rehabilitation laboratory facilities. The latter study will focus on the interface between cancer related fatigue and the cognitive function challenges linked to lifesaving cancer treatments. Both programs are currently slated to begin in March 2025.
​
2.How can I inquire about these exercise rehabilitation programs, and have my name put on a contact list? Contact John Quindry (406 243-4268, john.quindry@mso.umt.edu) for more information about upcoming programs.
​
3. What does it cost to participate in the CCRL exercise rehabilitation programs? Currently, a relatively small number of spots are available in the program, but participation is free.
FAQs about Fit to Fight Training at Silver Lining Foundation:
​
1. What exactly does Silver Lining Foundation do? We are here to support others who are going through (or have a history) of breast cancer treatment. We create a community of “surthrivers” and help support each other through monthly informational gatherings, gym workouts in our private gym, and paddling outrigger and dragon boats during the summer months!
2. What if I've never paddled before? None of us had ever been in a dragon boat or outrigger before we joined Silver Lining Montana. ALL are welcome!! Our only prerequisites are that you know how to swim and are comfortable in the water.
3. What if I don't want to paddle but would be interested in just training at the gym? That is absolutely fine! There are no obligations to paddle, just a willingness to keep moving and have fun.
4. What do you mean, "exercise is medicine"? The big push behind our organization is to get individuals to MOVE. The research resoundingly indicates that we can reduce our rate of recurrence by 40-50% with REGULAR exercise. This is our mantra and we have so much fun doing it! It’s about finding joy and the silver lining in a cancer diagnosis.