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Cancer Rehabilitation
Cancer rehabilitation aims to address the physical, psychosocial, mental and emotional needs of a person living with cancer. Within the healthcare team, the physiotherapist has an important role to play.
The goals of rehabilitation for the cancer population are:
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To regain and improve physical function, aerobic capacity (cardiovascular health), strength and flexibility
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To promote an active lifestyle suitable for one's current function and improve overall quality of life
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To reduce or help manage side effects of cancer treatment
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To improve one's ability to withstand any current or future cancer treatments
These goals will vary according to where the survivor is in the continuum of cancer journey. An individual’s cancer journey is very personal. A journey through the different phases is illustrated below:
Cancer is a chronic disease and with any chronic disease, it requires long term management. Cancer is also very complex. Most patients experience multiple side effects from their treatment - surgery, radiation, chemotherapy. Therefore, intervention needs to be holistic and personalized. There is no one-size-fits-all.
The following lists the common side effects patients with cancer experience and how they will benefit from rehabilitation:
Breast Cancer Rehab Program
Do you experience one of the following symptoms?
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Post-op tightness and weakness
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Post-RT scarring and tightness
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Post-chemo side effects (above table)
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Axillary web syndrome / Cording
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Swelling in affected arm (especially if you have had lymph nodes removed +/- radiation therapy)
These symptoms may not appear immediately after your cancer treatment but may take months or even a few years to surface. Hence, most people do not seek early intervention to prevent these effects and only seek help when symptoms become visible or felt later on.
It is important to ask your oncologist or cancer-specialist therapist about your risk of developing these side effects.
If not treated, these side effects can be long-lasting and debilitating for many cancer survivors. For instance, lymphoedema (swelling) if not treated early can worsen and become irreversible which will severely impact a person's quality of life.
When is a good time to see a physiotherapist?
Generally, we can only do manual techniques like scar tissue mobilisation and stretching after 8-12 weeks post-RT or after wound is healed (closed) post-surgery.
However, you are strongly recommended to do gentle, graded shoulder mobility and breathing exercises in the early stages. It is important to get proper guidance from a professional, rather than find online materials that may not be appropriate or suitable for you.
If you are undergoing chemotherapy, it is advisable to do physiotherapy during your cycle's rest (3rd) week. You will benefit from low intensity exercises to improve your tolerance toward the treatment and prevent functional decline. For those with severe fatigue problems, small bouts of activity is better than complete bed rest as more rest leads to more fatigue.
At Rehab Space, our physiotherapists have undergone formal training and certification to be oncologist therapists. If you think you will benefit from cancer rehab or know somebody who might, please contact us.