The Point Where Recovery Begins

Oncology Rehabilitation Program

Q: Is PHYSICAL THERAPY really important in CANCER TREATMENT?

A: YES!!!

If you are a cancer survivor, studies indicate that the following likely apply to you:

• You are significantly less active than prior to your diagnosis
• You have gained weight
• You have pain as a result of treatment
• You have more "blue" days
• You are less flexible
• You do not participate in regular exercise

Research studies have shown that physical therapy and exercise can help patients during and after cancer treatment to:

1. Improve cardiovascular health and fitness
2. Increase strength, lean body mass, flexibility and endurance
3. Decrease fatigue
4. Decrease risk of osteoporosis
5. Maximize healing by providing expert post-operative care
6. Improve joint motion
7. Restore balance
8. Improve body mechanics in order to perform household/work tasks (such as lifting) safely and correctly
9. Return to full involvement in home, work, social and recreational activities
10. Help you attain the ACS guidelines for exercise

Braith RW. Role of Exercise in Rehabilitation of Cancer Survivors. Pediatric Blood Cancer. 2005;44:595-599. van Weert E, Hoekstra-Weebers JEHM, May AM, Korstjens I, Ros WJG, van der Schans CP. The development of an evidence-based physical sel-fmanagement rehabilitation programme for cancer survivors. Patient education and counseling. 2008;71:169-190. Ogunleye AA, Holmes MD. Physical activity and breast cancer survival. Breast Cancer Res. 2009 Sep 1;11(5):106.