Physical Therapy for Cancer patients Cancer Rehab

Below you'll find answers to:

• What is cancer rehab?

• How is it different from regular physical therapy?

• What are the benefits?

• Who can benefit from cancer rehab?

Cancer Rehab

A specialty within physical therapy where continued education and training focus on the safe and efficient application of physical therapy to those patients with a cancer diagnosis. We focus treatment on the side effects of certain treatments that may affect one's ability to take care of themselves or be involved in family outings and events. Cancer rehab applies manual therapy, exercise, and patient education to improve the life experience of cancer survivors.

So how is it different from regular Physical Therapy?

Cancer rehab uses similar techniques seen in a typical outpatient clinic but with more specific guidelines and precautions. Certain cancer treatments affect the body tissues including muscles, fascia, nerves, bones, and vessels. This may present as weakness, poor circulation, stiffness, etc. Treatment dosing (whether its massage, mobilizations, exercise, or balance training) needs to be modified depending on one's specific cancer treatment regiment.

The benefits of cancer rehab?

So how does all of this help during and after treatment?

• We can regain shoulder range of motion post-mastectomy or lumpectomy to make it easier to put a shirt on or do one's hair by themselves.

• We can improve urination and bowel movements after a bowel resection or pelvic radiation treatment.

• We can decrease numbness and tingling in the hands and feet to make buttoning a shirt easier and getting outside with family more enjoyable and steady. 

• We can reduce overall pain and discomfort making the return to usual activities, hobbies, and gatherings more attainable.

Now, let's discuss who would benefit from Cancer rehab at Magnolia Movement.

Magnolia Movement supports patients throughout their cancer journey. Appointments before specified diagnosis can provide understanding on what symptoms may be reduced with physical therapy. Patients currently receiving treatments can benefit from appropriately dosed therapy to manage fatigue. Patients who have completed treatment, even if it has been 30 years since treatment, can see changes in limitations of movement or steadiness in walking.

Common cancer treatments that may have side effects that we can improve involve different Surgeries, Chemotherapies, and/or Radiation.

We hope that this information helps you feel more confident in choosing a path to improve your symptoms. We at Magnolia Movement are here to answer any questions you may have even before you consider scheduling an appointment.

It's never too late to make improvements on your journey.

Here at the Healthy Conversations Blog we talk about many therapy services, symptom presentations, prevention, and varying treatment options. The goal is to arm you with some knowledge to start a conversation with your healthcare providers. This Blog is not meant to be personal medical advice. Discussions solely involve our educated opinions. Every person’s health journey is different, and a full assessment would be recommended before prescribing any form of treatment.

Reach out to Heather@MagnoliaMovementPT.com with any questions.