Since time immemorial people suffering from illnesses, whether chronic or short-term, have been advised to get off their feet to rest and recuperate. While this is still a sound recommendation especially if moving causes the patient pain or aggravates the condition, studies have shown that physical activity and exercise, under the guidance and advisement of a physical therapist can prove beneficial to cancer patients and survivors.
A fact sheet released by the World Confederation for Physical Therapy mentions that maintaining an exercise regimen during and after treatments has a positive impact on the general well-being of patients and survivors. Chemotherapy and radiation treatments have some adverse side effects on patients, but these are significantly lowered by the inclusion of physical activity in the individuals' routines.
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Without exercise, the cancer patient (or any patient who is bed-ridden for long periods of time) may experience trouble with their body functions, muscle weakness, and stiffness of joints. Adding to that, regular exercise can stem some of the problems that may lead to cancer recurring such as obesity.
That said, cancer patients and survivors may not always feel like they have the ability or the strength to exercise, and that's quite understandable since their health was compromised. To that end, physical therapy and rehabilitation can help cancer patients and survivors improve their quality of life by helping increase physical strength, allowing them to care for themselves and manage their symptoms and treatments.
Physical therapists work with the oncologists, occupational therapists, nurses, and nutritionists to keep the cancer survivors healthy by helping them, especially those who are having trouble with their body's movements during and after their treatments, regain control of their bodies. Physical therapists will not only encourage the cancer survivor to get some exercise but also help them decrease feelings of fatigue while raising endurance and muscle mass.
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More than anyone, physical therapists will know which exercise routines benefit cancer patients the most, especially as their abilities will differ vastly from that of a healthier person's, and thus, along with the oncologists and the entire cancer treatment team, pave the way to the survivor living a longer, cancer-free life.
Dr. Mary Kneiser specializes in physical therapy and rehabilitation medicine which she has used to help patients suffering from conditions including cancer, strokes, and chronic pain. To understand more about what a physiatrist does, visit this website.
