Cancer and the body's natural reaction to treatment can often cause physical and cognitive challenges, including pain, fatigue, muscle weakness, loss of memory and difficulty with concentration. These challenges can arise during and after cancer treatment, making it hard to perform daily activities or return to work.
"Rehabilitation therapy can often be beneficial before, during or after cancer treatments,” said Brooke Paige, P.T., DPT, clinical coordinator of outpatient rehabilitation services at Northside.
The goal of cancer rehabilitation is to:
- Enable patients to stay as active as possible to participate in work, family and other life activities
- Reduce side effects and symptoms of cancer and its treatment
- Help maintain independence
- Improve quality of life
Patients can play an active role by talking with the health care team about cancer rehabilitation anytime a change in physical activity or everyday tasks is noticed.
“Physical, occupational and speech therapists can assist in optimizing a patient's physical condition to prepare them before treatment,” Paige said. “Therapy also can help reduce weakness, fatigue and pain while receiving treatment.”
“After treatment, therapy can play a vital role in helping you return to living a vibrant life and returning to work, school and leisure activities," Paige added.
Common symptoms or experiences to watch out for that may indicate a need for rehabilitation therapy include:
- Becoming weaker or more tired than when initially diagnosed
- Difficulty talking or swallowing
- Pain that is not caused by cancer
- Muscular or bone-related challenges
- Trouble with movement and balance
- Changes in hearing
- Difficulty recovering from treatment and participating in regular activities
- Uncertainty about how much to exercise or how to best exercise
- Concerns with memory or difficulty concentrating
- Swelling in one or both arms or legs
- Changes in bowel, bladder or sexual activity
At Northside Hospital Cancer Institute, rehabilitation is provided by trained rehabilitation professionals before, during and after cancer treatment to help manage symptoms and answer questions.
- Physical therapists specialize in helping patients improve mobility, reduce pain and increase strength.
- Occupational therapists help maximize function and safety during everyday living situations such as bathing, dressing, cooking, cleaning and managing fatigue and endurance.
- Speech pathologists specialize in helping patients maintain and improve swallowing, communication and cognitive concerns.
- Lymphedema therapists focus on reducing swelling and providing individuals with the correct garments and education to maintain everyday functions and life activities.
- Pelvic floor therapists address the use of the pelvic floor muscles, which serve an integral role in bowel, bladder and sexual activity.
- Wound care therapists promote wound healing using treatment modalities and dressings that decrease the risks of infections and promote wound closure.
- Audiologists assess hearing and balance and provide aids to maximize the ability to communicate.
A physician referral is required for cancer rehabilitation therapy. Virtual visits are available.
Learn more about Oncology Rehabilitation Services at Northside.
