Helping You to Feel and Move Better at All Stages of Your Cancer Journey
Oncology Physical Therapy is specialized therapy that addresses cancer and treatment-caused issues in order to reduce and manage symptoms, restore function (from everyday tasks to your favorite hobbies), improve quality of life, and prevent long-term complications. It uses advanced knowledge and training beyond the doctorate degree level to assess, treat, and educate you on cancer-related issues and how to feel and move better. It is appropriate for anyone at any stage in their cancer journey including before, during, and after active
The Importance of Physical Therapy in the Cancer Population
Cancer treatments can impact the ease and way you do anything from household tasks to work to your favorite sport or activity. Physical therapy is here to help these things become less painful, easier, and safer. We are here to come alongside you to help you achieve your personal goals and empower you in your journey. The phrase “exercise is medicine!” really is true!
The Benefits of Physical Therapy in the Cancer Population
There are many benefits to exercising, including:
- Improved survival rate and lower risk of recurrence
- Reduced side effects (fewer of them and less severe)
- Improved mental health (reduced depression and anxiety)
- Improved physical function (flexibility, bone strength, heart/lung health, muscle strength, endurance)
- Reduced risk of other diseases (high blood pressure, diabetes, osteoporosis)
- Improved overall quality of life (returning to what matters to you!)
Exercising With and After Cancer
Exercise is recommended for those with cancer and cancer survivors! The American Cancer Society (ACS) and American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) recommend cancer patients engage in a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity per week and strengthening activities at least two days per week. In physical therapy, we are creating a personalized, adaptable program for you! Our goal is to keep you moving throughout your treatments, however, how we do that will change based on how you are doing.
How Physical Therapy Fits Into All Stages of Your Cancer Journey
Before Treatments/Surgery (Prehabilitation)
- Starting physical therapy before your treatments can help to prepare your body by getting stronger and more mobile, as people often report feeling weaker and more fatigued after these treatments and surgeries.
- Baseline measurements will be taken so that you and your therapist have a clear understanding of where your body is at before your treatment(s) start. This will help us to work as a team with you to make goals to get back to where you were (or even better)!
- This is also a time to get to know your rehabilitation team and the clinic, as well as ask questions and learn about possible side effects, how to prepare for treatments, and preventative strategies.
During and After Treatments/Surgery (Rehabilitation)
- Your therapist will help to reduce/manage side effects (discussed below), improve/maintain your strength, flexibility, and endurance, and prevent loss of function or deconditioning. Additionally, your therapist and you will work towards achieving your personalized goals that help you return to daily activities, work, and hobbies.
- What this looks like will constantly evolve as you move through your medical treatments/procedures.
Palliative Care
- Your therapist will help to reduce and manage symptoms such as pain, fatigue, and weakness, and prevent complications while maintaining your independence and comfort.
Conditions Addressed in Oncology Physical Therapy
- Cancer-Related Fatigue
- Cancer-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN)
- Pain (Muscle, bone, nerve, post-surgical)
- Post-Surgical Swelling and Lymphedema
- Decreased Mobility and Flexibility
- Balance and Walking Impairments
- Scar Tissue Restrictions/Healing
- Deconditioning (Loss of Strength/Endurance)
- Pelvic Floor Dysfunction (related to certain cancer treatments)
- TMJ Disorders (related to certain cancer treatments)
- Osteopenia/porosis/Bone Health Concerns
- Mobility Within Your Home and Community
Advocating for Your Health!
Many cancer patients/survivors do not need recommended exercise guidelines and many do not receive any physical therapy during or after their treatments. Oncology physical therapy is a continuously growing field and not all healthcare providers or patients are aware that it exists or its many benefits! If you are interested in oncology physical therapy, discuss with your oncology team about getting a referral (also called a script) to come to physical therapy (not all insurances require one). Our therapists want to collaborate with your doctors, PAs, NPs, and nurses to help you achieve your goals!
