It is known through much research, that exercise plays a very effective and safe way to help you get through your cancer treatment and some of the debilitating side effects, during and after your treatment, regardless of the stage or type of disease.
Exercise is known to improve mental well-being, fatigue, and general quality of life.
The benefits of exercise for cancer patients
- Helps to increase bone density
- Helps to reduce the risk of osteoporosis
- Helps to improve your well-being
- Helps to improve your muscle strength
- Helps to improve your endurance
- Helps to decrease levels of anxiety and depression
- Helps to improve your appetite
- Helps to improve your sleep
- Helps to decrease the feeling of nausea for people undergoing chemotherapy
- Helps to increase your flexibility and range of motion
- Helps to improve your appearance which will give you more self esteem
- Helps with keeping your bowel movements regular during treatment
- Helps you keep fit to keep your strength up to continue undergoing chemo treatment
Many patients feel anxious, depressed, and fatigued during cancer treatment. Following a good exercise plan and a good diet that will help you maintain an active lifestyle and that in turn will help your recovery. Exercise can also help you manage and maintain your weight which is an important risk factor in cancer patients.
How can we help you?
Once you have been cleared by your consultant that exercise/physiotherapy is safe for you to start, our specialist physiotherapists can support you through your cancer treatment, whether that is from diagnosis, treatment or after treatment care. Our aim is to help support you and optimise your ability to help you manage some of the side effects of your treatment, and to help improve your physical wellbeing through a tailored physiotherapy programme.
This can include:
- A graded strengthening programmes
- A stretching programme for any tight or stiff joints
- Desensitisation exercises for neuropathic pain
- Massage for swelling
- Positioning advice in bed or in the chair if you are less mobile
- Working with carers and family members to teach them how to do the exercises with you and how to use any new equipment you might need
We will work closely with your oncology team/doctor throughout your physiotherapy, keeping them up to date with your progress.
To find out how we can help you or a loved one, please contact us on 0330 335 1016 for more information or alternatively, fill out our contact sheet and we will get back to you.