Physiotherapy in Oncology Rehabilitation
Improvements in cancer diagnosis and treatment have led to an increase in the number of people surviving and living longer. Oncology physiotherapy is designed for patients who are diagnosed with cancer and prepare to receive cancer treatment.
A new strategy to fight cancer is to focus on restoring health and quality of life. Despite improved survival, patients still need to face various problems from the disease itself and the side effects of the treatments. These include cancer-related fatigue, muscle loss, lymphoedema and radiation-induced fibrosis.
Some of these problems may last for years, hindering patients from resuming their normal daily routine. It also affects some patients’ ability to return to work. Our physiotherapists can provide an integrated and individualised rehabilitation programme to identify, address and mitigate these difficulties throughout the recovery journey.
What problems can patients anticipate during their battle with cancer?
Cancer treatments can cause a variety of side effects. Some common problems are as follows:
Cancer Treatment | Physical and Behaviour Complications |
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What is Oncology Rehabilitation?
Period | Objectives |
Prehabilitation | |
| This is the time after a cancer diagnosis but before any acute treatment. It is applicable to any treatment option, including surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. | This is the preparation period. A physiotherapist will examine patients and baseline fitness level, enhance their physical fitness and psychological well-being, and educate them on the consequences of the disease and side effects of the treatment. Exercise intensity will usually be set at a moderate level. Exercise intensity is usually set at a moderate level. |
Rehabilitation | |
| Time during active cancer treatment (from1 to 6 months). | The aim of this stage is to help patients maximise their functional ability and minimise/treat any side effects such as fatigue, pain and lymphoedema. Exercise intensity is usually lower at this stage. Exercise intensity is usually lower at this stage. |
Survivorship | |
| This is life after an active cancer treatment. Exercise is for patients with a stable disease or are disease-free. | The focus is on monitoring and managing short-term and late effects of cancer and treatment. Exercise training will be targeted at optimising patients’ physical fitness. The programme will prepare patients to return to society and work. |
Oncology rehabilitation:
Physical Problems | Corresponding Physiotherapy Services |
| Aerobic training improves cardiopulmonary function |
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| Balance problems |
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| Lymphoedema |
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| Scarring |
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| Numbness | Joint mobilisation stretching exercises |
| Pain | Pain modality device e.g. Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) |
| Functional decline | Functional training |