Treat. Heal. Cure.
One-on-One Personalized Physical Therapy Specializing in Oncology Rehabilitation, Lymphedema Management, and Pelvic Floor Health in Tarzana
Recovery Through Movement and Manual Therapy
Personalized One-on-One Care for Cancer Recovery, Lymphedema, and Women’s Pelvic Health
At Ilaaj Physical Therapy & Oncology Rehab, we provide specialized one-on-one care designed to support recovery after cancer treatment and women’s pelvic health conditions.
Cancer treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation can affect the body in many ways — leading to symptoms such as lymphedema, cording (axillary web syndrome), scar tightness, shoulder stiffness, neuropathy, fatigue, balance problems, and decreased strength or endurance.
Our clinic focuses on helping patients safely regain movement, strength, and confidence after treatment. We provide expert care for individuals recovering from breast cancer surgery, mastectomy, lumpectomy, reconstruction, head and neck cancer treatment, and other cancer-related conditions, including prevention and management of lymphedema.
We also offer women’s pelvic floor physical therapy, supporting patients experiencing pelvic pain, core weakness, postpartum recovery needs, and bladder or bowel dysfunction.
Every session is private and one-on-one with a board-certified physical therapist, allowing us to create personalized treatment plans that focus on restoring function, improving quality of life, and helping you return to the activities that matter most.
What we do.
Ilaaj Physical Therapy and Oncology Rehab focuses on one-on-one care specific to Breast Cancer, Head & Neck Cancer, Lymphedema Management and Education, and Women’s Pelvic Floor Therapy.
Rooted in Indian culture, Ilaaj (pronounced elāj) signifies "treatment, remedy, or cure" for an illness or condition affecting the body.
Patients commonly come to us for:
Lymphedema management after lymph node removal or radiation
Cording (Axillary Web Syndrome) after breast surgery
Post-mastectomy pain syndrome
Radiation fibrosis and scar tightness
Neuropathy from chemotherapy
Osteoporosis
Pelvic Pain
Incontinence
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At Ilaaj Physical Therapy and Oncology Rehab, we believe that recovery goes beyond just exercise- it is a holistic process rooted in care, compassion, and a personalized approach. Our philosophy centers on providing dedicated time and attention to the unique details of each individual’s journey. We prioritize listening to your needs and addressing every aspect of recovery- mind, body, and spirit- to empower you to regain confidence in your day- to- day activities and enhance your functional independence.
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Our mission is to help individuals restore their maximum functional potential by offering one-on-one care by a physical therapist for cancer rehabilitation, lymphedema management, and women’s health. We are dedicated to restoring their physical ability, improving quality of life, and fostering resilience in every patient we serve. By providing personalized treatment plans in a supporting and nurturing environment, we aim to be a trusted partner on your journey to healing and wellness.
Who We Help.
You may benefit from oncology physical therapy if you are experiencing:
Arm swelling after breast cancer surgery
Tight cords in the armpit after surgery
Shoulder stiffness after mastectomy
Breast swelling after lumpectomy or radiation
Neck or jaw tightness after head & neck cancer treatment
Pelvic pain or bladder leakage
Pre/post menopausal
Bone Loss
The Story behind Ilaaj Physical Therapy and Oncology Rehab
Shabnum Brar, PT, MPT, CLT
Owner and founder of Ilaaj Physical Therapy & Oncology Rehab
Masters of Physical Therapy, Oncology Rehab Specialist
Certified Lymphedema Therapist
February 10, 2019 is a day I will never forget. What began as a routine screening mammogram quickly turned into a life-changing diagnosis—estrogen and progesterone positive breast cancer in my left breast.
The months that followed were filled with surgeries, medical appointments, and recovery after a bilateral mastectomy. Like many of my patients, I experienced firsthand the physical and emotional challenges that come with cancer treatment—pain, fatigue, limited mobility, and the uncertainty of healing.
Going through my own recovery deepened my understanding of what patients truly need during this time. It strengthened my commitment to providing specialized, compassionate care that supports both the physical and emotional aspects of healing.
That experience ultimately inspired the creation of Ilaaj Physical Therapy & Oncology Rehab—a place dedicated to helping patients regain strength, restore function, and move forward with confidence.
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Shabnum Brar, PT, MPT, CLT, brings over 20 years of clinical experience in outpatient orthopedics and oncology rehabilitation. A graduate of California State University, Northridge, she previously served as Program Director for ReVital Cancer Rehabilitation Los Angeles at Select Medical, working alongside oncology specialists at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center to develop specialized survivorship care pathways.
In 2019, Shabnum faced her own early-stage breast cancer diagnosis and underwent a bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction. That experience transformed her perspective and strengthened her mission to guide patients through recovery with empathy, expertise, and hope.
She is a Certified Lymphedema Therapist with advanced training in Manual Lymph Drainage, Complete Decongestive Therapy, cancer rehabilitation, and women’s health.
At Ilaaj Physical Therapy & Oncology Rehab, her focus is simple: personalized, one-on-one care that empowers patients to treat, heal, and cure.
Conditions We Treat:
Cancer Rehabilitation
Prehab Breast Cancer Care
Post Mastectomy and Axillary Dissection Surgical Management and Recovery
Axillary Web “Cording” and Post Surgical Pain Syndrome
Treatment and Prevention of Breast Implant Capsular Contraction
Post Radiation Fibrosis Management
Head and Neck Cancer related jaw pain & neck stiffness
Management of Chemo and Cancer Related Fatigue
Generalized Weakness Recovery
Osteoporosis Management
Chemo Induced Neuropathy
Balance and Gait Deficits
Lymphedema Management
Lymphedema Risk Assessment and Education
Evaluation and Management of Post Breast Surgical Lymphedema
Lymphatic Drainage Massage
Complete Decongestive Therapy
Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD)
Head and Neck Lymphedema management and recovery
Lymphedema Garment Assessment and Education
Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
Pre and Post Natal Pelvic Floor Management and Recovery
Post Surgical Scar Management
Gynecologic Cancer Treatment Recovery
Chronic Pelvic Pain
Incontinence Management
Constipation and Abdominal Massage
Diastasis Recti Diagnosis and Management
Orthopedic Conditions
Osteoarthritis
Chronic Neck and Low Back Pain
Osteoporosis Management
Joint Replacement Recovery
What makes
Ilaaj Physical Therapy & Oncology Rehab
different?
Patients travel to us from across the San Fernando Valley and Greater Los Angeles because we provide specialized one-on-one cancer rehabilitation, lymphedema care, and gentle, skilled manual therapy tailored to each healing journey.
Located in Tarzana and trusted by patients from Encino, Sherman Oaks, Studio City, Woodland Hills, Van Nuys, Calabasas, and throughout Greater Los Angeles.
One-on-One Private Sessions – Consistent, personalized care every visit
Same-Week Appointments Available – Support when symptoms or swelling change
Direct Access to Your Therapist – No techs, no assistants, no being “passed around”
Oncology & Lymphedema Specialist – Board-certified PT & Certified Lymphedema Therapist providing all treatments
Gentle and Skilled Manual Therapy – Scar tissue, radiation fibrosis, and lymphatic flow techniques that require advanced hands-on expertise
Comprehensive, Whole-Person Care – Physical recovery, pain relief, mobility restoration, and emotional support
Safe, Evidence-Based Rehabilitation – Tailored treatment at a pace that honors your body and recovery
What Patients Are Saying
Patients recovering from cancer surgery, radiation, and lymphedema trust Ilaaj Physical Therapy for personalized, one-on-one care.
“I can’t say enough good things about Shab at Ilaaj! She’s an incredibly knowledgeable and well-resourced oncological physical therapist who truly understands the unexpected side effects that come with breast, head, or neck cancer. Working consistently with her has made a measurable difference in my recovery — my strength, posture, sleep, mood, and pain levels have all improved so much! Shab not only knows her stuff, but she also genuinely cares. She takes the time to explain everything and always has a new tool or approach to help. Honestly, every oncologist and cancer center should have someone like her on staff or as a referral for patients in recovery. Her guidance and care has been a game-changer for me.” - Google review
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“The expertise, compassion, and personalized care I received were instrumental in my recovery after breast cancer treatment. Shabnum has made me feel supported and informed every step of the way. Her expertise helped me regain strength, mobility, and confidence, but just as importantly, her kindness and encouragement made each session feel safe and empowering in such a beautiful space . Recovering from breast cancer is not easy, and having a physical therapist who truly understands that journey made all the difference. I truly believe Shab has healed me and I will forever be grateful for her.”
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“Shabnum Brar is a highly skilled, tremendously knowledgable and specialized PT with “magic hands.” Chemo, surgery and radiation all left me extremely weak and with painful joint injuries, which she has helped me to heal from with a dramatic reduction in my pain. I am at high risk for lymphedema and she is monitoring and educating me on how to avoid it. I work in the fitness industry so regaining strength and flexibility is critical to regaining my life. I give Shab all the credit for getting me there through a combination of manual therapy and exercise. She is a remarkable healer and an expert in assessing exactly what my body needs, which can often vary from one session to the next. I feel I have gotten stronger every week. Shab is compassionate, nurturing and really listens, which are qualities so important to cancer patients who have been pummeled physically and emotionally. Her studio is beautiful, bright and well equipped. I know I am in the best of hands @ Ilaaj Physical Therapy. Working with Shab has given me hope and I couldn’t feel more grateful to her.”- Google Review
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Service Areas
Oncology Physical Therapy & Lymphedema Care Near You
Ilaaj Physical Therapy & Oncology Rehab provides one-on-one oncology rehabilitation for breast cancer recovery, head and neck cancer recovery, lymphedema management, and pelvic floor therapy in the heart of Tarzana, CA.
We proudly serve patients from Tarzana, Encino, Woodland Hills, Sherman Oaks, Studio City, Van Nuys, Calabasas, and the greater Los Angeles area.
Contact Us
If you need more information or would like to request an appointment, please provide your details, and we’ll get back to you soon.
We look forward to connecting with you!