Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy in Cancer Care
Evidence shows that physiotherapy-led exercise can significantly reduce symptoms associated with cancer and its treatment(s), enhance someone’s quality of life and reduce the risk of cancer recurrence in the future (Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, 2017)
Professional guided exercise and physical activity can reduce the physical, psychological and emotional side effects of a cancer diagnosis and its treatment, by reducing fatigue, insomnia, pain, anxiety and lymphoedema, regardless of the type or stage of your disease.
As a specialist oncology, haematology and palliative care physiotherapist, with over 8 years experience in this specialist field, I am able to safely and effectively prescribe exercise at any stage of the cancer journey, to reduce the burden of symptoms and improve quality of life. My interventions are always person-centred and based on goals important to my clients, whether someone is looking at improvement or maintenance.
Intervention may involve strength training (to compensate for weak muscles or bones), graded aerobic or endurance training during or following treatment, fatigue and breathlessness management.
Physiotherapy after Surgery
Physiotherapy is essential after any surgery.
The initial focus is to regain mobility and function following surgery, returning to baseline mobility. You may be seen by a physiotherapist in hospital, who will help you to mobilise after surgery, potentially with the use of an aid. However, you may require additional physiotherapy input to return to your baseline function.
Physiotherapy may also focus on regaining full range of motion, if a limb is affected by the surgery. For example, following breast cancer surgery, you will be asked to complete gentle shoulder range of motion exercise, which progress over a six week period.
Physiotherapy can guide you with appropriate exercise at the right stage of your recovery, considering natural healing times and the impact of other planned cancer treatment(s).
Scar tissue management is also an important part of your post surgical recovery, when the scar has fully healed. The build up of scar tissue can impact range of movement, pain levels and increase the risk of developing lymphoedema.
Cording (Axillary Web Syndrome) is a common side effect following breast cancer treatment and is where one or several fibrotic band(s) or rope/cord-like texture(s) develops under the skin of the armpit. Physiotherapy intervention can help to reduce the cording, improve shoulder movement and function, and reduce associated pain.
Contact me if you wish to arrange an initial consultation at any stage of your post surgery recovery.
Physiotherapy and Chemotherapy or Immunotherapy
Systemic cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and immunotherapy, can have a significant impact on how the physical body and mind functions, with fatigue being one of the most common side effects.
Evidence suggests that gentle, low intensity exercise during these treatments can help to reduce the symptom burden, particularly fatigue.
Physiotherapy intervention will likely focus on maintenance or gentle, low intensity exercise during active treatment. Following chemotherapy or immunotherapy, focus may shift to graded strengthening, cardiovascular and endurance training.
Contact me if you wish to arrange an initial consultation at any stage of your cancer treatment.
Physiotherapy after Radiotherapy
Radiotherapy or Radiation Therapy can cause scarring of the superficial tissues. Physiotherapy can help to regain or maintain full range of motion. Scar tissue management can be beneficial, as radiotherapy causes further tightening of the tissues following surgery, and this can also reduce the risk of developing lymphoedema.
One of the most common side effects of Radiotherapy is fatigue. Physiotherapy can also be of benefit for pacing advice and a graded return to physical activity and exercise.
Contact me if you wish to arrange an initial consultation at any stage of your cancer treatment.