Enhancing Recovery with Oncology Physiotherapy at Chase Lodge Hospital
Regardless of whether it is surgery, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy, the process of treating cancer is difficult, and there are physical and emotional impacts that go with it. Fatigue, pain, limited ability to move, and muscle atrophy are among the barriers the patients are up against. Medical treatment is aimed at battling the disease, but rehabilitation is just as important for building up strength, function, and quality of life.
Cancer therapy physiotherapy is a unique rehabilitation programme that aims to assist patients to cope with treatment-related side effects, to rehabilitate, and to enhance their quality of life. Regardless of whether you are preparing for treatment, dealing with treatment, or have already received treatment, physiotherapy may be an essential part of your recovery process.
What is Oncology Physiotherapy?
Oncology physiotherapy is a personalised rehabilitation service focusing on the specific physical needs of cancer patients. This is not general physiotherapy and is provided by specialists who are trained to deal with the side effects experienced by people with cancer, thereby ensuring it is a safe and effective treatment supportive of your cancer therapy.
This therapeutic approach helps patients:
- Strengthen the body before doing anything that the body can then tolerate.
- Treat and manage fatigue, pain, and limited mobility during treatment.
- Aftercare: rehabilitating, fitness enhancing, and assisting long-term recovery.
Common Physical Challenges Faced by Cancer Patients
Some common symptoms experienced by cancer patients and survivors include:
- Fatigue & Weakness – This is the most frequent side effect, with patients feeling utterly washed out and weary with no energy to carry out routine activities.
- Shortness of Breath and a lack of stamina – In some cases, you may experience lung problems from the treatment and feel out of breath with even minimal activities.
- Aches & Stiffness – Surgery, radiation, or extended bed rest can generate joint and muscle pain.
- Lymphoedema – A type of swelling caused by the removal or damage of lymph nodes, typically in patients with breast cancer.
- Pelvic Floor Problems – Treatments for prostate, cervical, or bowel cancer can cause loss of control or discomfort.
- Balance & Mobility Issues – Nerve injury and muscle atrophy may lead to falls and decreased independence.
Identifying these difficulties early and ensuring timely physiotherapy can avoid long-term complications and promote recovery.
How Oncology Physiotherapy Helps
Physiotherapists in oncology provide treatments based on the evidence that can help in promoting recovery, such as:
- Customised Exercise Programmes – Mild, moderate exercises to restore strength and energy without becoming overtired.
- Lymphatic Drainage & Oedema Control – Specific techniques to ease lymphoedema, including massage and compression.
- Respiratory Exercise Combinations to increase lung volume for breathing difficulty.
- Pain Relief & Joint Mobility – Stretching, manual therapy, and postural advice to reduce stiffness.
- Pelvic Floor Rehab – Bladder and bowel control and strengthening exercises after your surgery.
- Gait & Balance Training – Fall risk reduction and increased gait confidence.
- Emotional Well-being – There is evidence that confirms that physical exercise helps in the reduction of anxiety and depression; in other words, it improves mental health.
Every programme is personalised to suit the patient’s condition, thus likewise a safe and efficient rehabilitation.
Benefits of Being Physically Active During Cancer Treatment
There are many advantages to exercising for those with medical supervision, including:
✅ Better Quality of Life – Rebuilding strength leads to improved everyday activity.
✅ Speeds Recovery – Assists the body in healing and provides relief from treatment side effects.
✅ Better Treatment Tolerance – Patients with more muscle mass can often handle chemotherapy or radiation better.
✅ Reduced Risk of Complications – Helps prevent blood clots, infections, and muscle wasting.
✅ Better Mood – When you work out, you trigger the release of endorphins, which alleviate stress and depression.
Even light activities, such as walking or stretching, can help.
When to See an Oncology Physiotherapist?
It is never too early or too late to get help. Think about oncology physiotherapy if you are:
- About to start treatment and want to build resilience.
- Currently undergoing treatment and experiencing fatigue, pain, or mobility issues.
- Looking out for specific issues like lymphoedema, balance issues, or pelvic floor dysfunction.
We know early identification is associated with better outcomes, so don’t wait until the symptoms are extreme.
Conclusion
When you recover from cancer, you’re not just doing the healing — you’re rebuilding your body, your mind, and your freedom.
With oncology physiotherapy, you get expert treatments that are tailored just for you to help you get back on your feet, deal with side effects, and get the most out of every day.
Cancer management has the potential to impose physical hardships, pain, tiredness, and loss of motion. Specialised oncology physiotherapy can give you individualised support to manage these symptoms and aid in a better recovery.
If you or someone you love is getting treated for cancer, don’t overlook the physical changes; early intervention counts.
Call us today and set up an appointment with our Oncology Rehabilitation Specialist at Chase Lodge Hospital to start your journey to a healthier, stronger recovery.
