The Role Of A Physical Therapist In Cancer Treatment

The role of a physical therapist in cancer treatment is an important one. While many cancer patients, survivors and their families may be overwhelmed by the news of such a diagnosis, as well as the onslaught of a team of doctors during treatment, you may find that a physical therapist is an encouraging, supportive and necessary part of your healthcare team.

Adding a physical therapist to your healthcare team before, during or after cancer treatment can greatly improve the speed of your recovery, as well as your quality of life. It is not just cancer that can cause the need for physical therapy, but many times the treatments for cancer can leave you with symptoms that physical therapy can help overcome.

There are many side effects of cancer and cancer treatment including:

• Pain
• Scar tissue
• Numbness, tingling, weakness
• Fatigue
• Decreased endurance
• Loss of mobility
• Swelling
• Issues with balance
• Weakened immune system

Before during and after cancer treatment, physical therapy may:

• Help you manage pain
• Improve circulation
• Minimize scar tissue
• Aid in recovery
• Decrease fatigue
• Prevent lymphedema

Your physical therapist can create treatment and exercise plans to help with pain management and the side effects of cancer, chemotherapy, radiation and surgery. Implementing an exercise program with the help of a physical therapist, will help you regain energy and improve the quality of your life before, during, or after cancer treatment.

Your physical therapist will also work with you, as a supportive member of your healthcare team to help you improve balance, coordination, decrease pain and swelling from cancer or cancer treatments.

If you or a loved one have received a cancer diagnosis, there is hope in resuming a high quality of life. To find out more, contact us to schedule an evaluation today.