Cancer treatment often has many troubling side effects, which can result in decreased function and quality of life. These side effects include: fatigue, pain, weakness, lymphedema, swelling, peripheral neuropathy, scar tissue formation, and difficulty with ambulation. Physical therapy can help patients return to normal function as well as boost immune response and help minimize the risk of complications.
Treatment can include manual, hands-on therapy to treat soft tissue, joints, nerves or organs affected by surgery, chemotherapy or radiation. Manual therapy and exercise can help restore range of motion, strength, balance and coordination. Education regarding proper progression of activity, selective rest and energy conservation, as well as instruction in proper body mechanics can ease the return to normal activities of daily living (ADLs).
PTs who specialize in lymphedema management are especially helpful after removal of lymph nodes or damage to the lymphatic system due to radiation. Each cancer patient has a unique set of circumstances, and the therapist-patient team attacks these issues together, prioritizing based on the patient’s goals and desires with safety as paramount.
References
American Cancer Society
