Cancer Rehabilitation
Due to the advances in both the detection and medical interventions for cancer over the last decades, people touched by cancer are now living longer. However, despite increased survival rates, many affected by cancer experience several side effects due to their cancer treatments, that in turn negatively influence their physical well-being and quality of life.
While some side effects resolve on their own with time, many can be long-lasting and have a significant impact on your physical, social and professional life.
Cancer Rehabilitation
Cancer rehabilitation and exercise plays a vital role in helping you to return to your regular activity, home life and work both during and after cancer treatment. With the use of a variety of therapies, including physiotherapy, cancer rehabilitation aims to minimize your cancer-related side effects, while promoting your function, independence and overall well-being.
Physiotherapists plays a vital role in your cancer care team. A physiotherapist trained in cancer rehabilitation can help you to manage and minimize many of the side-effects associated with cancer treatment, including and not limited to:
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Pain
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Weakness
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Fatigue
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Decreased range of motion and flexibility
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Radiation Fibrosis Syndrome
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Chemotherapy Induced Peripheral Neuropathy
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Swelling or Lymphedema
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Decreased balance and coordination
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Impairments in your activities of daily living
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Difficulty with walking and prevention of falls
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Difficulty with physical activities at home and at work
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Return to work difficulties
How do I know if I would benefit from Cancer Rehabilitation?
If you are experiencing any side effects or challenges due to your cancer treatments, cancer rehabilitation interventions can help you during any stage of your recovery. Research strongly support the safety and efficiency of both physiotherapy and exercise during chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
To find out more about how physiotherapy may help you during and after your cancer treatments, please follow the links below.
What can I expect in my first physiotherapy appointment?
Before your first appointment with the physiotherapist, you may be asked to complete a medical health form pertaining to your cancer diagnosis, treatments and past medical history. At your first appointment, the physiotherapist will review the form with you and ask you additional questions to get a better understanding of your needs, challenges and goals. The therapist will then perform a comprehensive assessment of your physical status, in order to develop a treatment plan that is more appropriate for you and your stage of recovery.
The physiotherapist will then review your rehabilitation plan with you and work with you to establish rehabilitation goals. After reviewing your intervention plan together, the therapist will use a variety of treatments techniques to address your unique needs and concerns. Interventions may include a combination of hands-on techniques (myofascial release, soft-tissue mobilization and manual therapy), energy-conservation techniques, exercises and education.