How Can Physical Therapy Help Those With Cancer?
By: Emilia Kubera-Shelton, DPT
Bowie Location
Physical therapists are trained and educated to understand all your health conditions, including a cancer diagnosis. Your physical therapist will work with you to develop a specialized treatment program to help reduce and improve cancer-related problems, improve your strength and function, and address your needs and goals.
Here is a list of just the few things Physical Therapy can help you with:
Aerobic capacity and Fatigue: Cancer or cancer treatment may have decreased your ability to process oxygen (aerobic capacity). This can cause fatigue. Research shows that 150 min per week of moderate-intensity exercise (such as walking) can help improve aerobic capacity, reduce fatigue, and promote healing for patients with cancer.
Bone density or bone strength: Lack of activity coupled with certain cancer treatments can cause weakening of your bones, which could lead to bone fractures. Certain types of exercise can prevent bone loss and help maintain bone strength.
Mood: Physical activity helps elevate mood and reduces symptoms of depression in everyone, including cancer survivors. Proper exercise, designed by a physical therapist for your specific condition and goals, can help you reduce stress and improve your mood.
Walking: Your physical therapist can help you improve your ability to walk using strengthening exercises, walking training, and balance activities. If you have nerve damage (neuropathy), your physical therapist may recommend bracing and other techniques to make it easier or safer for you to walk. They also may teach you to use an assistive device, such as a walker or cane, if needed.
Sports training ability: Athletes undergoing cancer treatment can continue to train for their sport to a degree. Your ability to train will depend on the type of cancer and treatment. Physical therapists design safe, challenging, sport-specific training programs to help athletes minimize loss of fitness and strength during cancer treatment.
Balance: Your physical therapist will examine your balance. They will teach you specific exercises to perform in the clinic and at home. These exercises can help to improve your balance and prevent falls.
