Cancer Rehabilitation

Why Physiotherapy in Cancer Care?

After diagnosis, patient’s life is centered around life-saving treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and hormonal therapy. However, these necessary treatments come with life altering side effects and have a huge impact on quality of life. Physiotherapists specializing in cancer rehabilitation play a critical role in management of the side effects and improve quality of life in survivorship.

At New Age Physio we work with patients who have been diagnosed with Cancer such as:

Breast cancer

Prostate cancer

Bladder cancer

Colorectal cancer

Gynaecological

Common side effects addressed by Physiotherapists are:

Pain

Chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy

Reduced mobility of shoulder (breast cancer)

Lymphedema

Fatigue

Urinary and bowel dysfunction (incontinence, constipation)

Sexual dysfunction (pain with intercourse, erectile dysfunction)

Pain

Chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy

Reduced mobility of shoulder (breast cancer)

Lymphedema

Fatigue

Urinary and bowel dysfunction (incontinence, constipation)

Sexual dysfunction (pain with intercourse, erectile dysfunction)

When should I see a Physiotherapist?

PREHAB:

You can start physiotherapy as soon as you are diagnosed with cancer and do some Prehab if there is enough time between diagnosis and surgical intervention. Prehab will help improve mobility, strength and function and help you understand what to expect right after surgery and the do’s and dont’s in the early recovery days.

Recent study “The Case for Prehabilitation Prior to Breast Cancer Treatment” by Daniel Santa Mina et al. in 2017 advocates for Prehab.

POST-SURGERY:

You can start physiotherapy after having the surgery because with any surgical intervention there is a risk of pain, restricted motion and reduced strength and endurance. Physiotherapy treatments post- surgery will entail scar tissue work, mobilization of restricted joints, management of swelling, increasing strength and education on topics such as 20min daily walks, lymphedema prevention, pain management, stress and anxiety management.

DURING ADJUVANT TREATMENT:

If you require additional treatments such as radiation, chemotherapy, hormone therapy then you may experience side effects such as fatigue and chemo brain (forgetfulness, mental fogginess). Physiotherapists can help you through these side effects by educating you on types of exercises and tools on energy conservation while still working on any pain or limitations you may be experiencing post- surgery. Studies indicate that participating in a slow and gradual exercise program during chemotherapy is effective in management of chemo related fatigue.

AFTER MEDICAL TREATMENT IS FINISHED:

After all the medical treatments are done the quality of life may not be back to normal and patients may still experience weakness, fatigue, and lymphedema. Continuing physiotherapy after cancer treatment can help patients maintain their mobility, increase strength and confidence. This also offers patients another check-in point so we can monitor and refer if we notice any new signs and symptoms.

What does a physiotherapy appointment for cancer rehab look like?

Thorough history taking to determine patients current complaints and goals
Objective examination to assess scar tissue, lymphedema, mobility, balance, strength, and functional activities
Recommendation of treatments such as scar mobilization, manual therapy, slow and progressive exercise, yoga therapy and mindfulness strategies. The treatment plan is unique to each patient.
Assessment findings and treatment plan is shared with your medical team (family doctor, surgeon, oncologist, radiologist)
Booking your plan of care