Cancer rehabilitation

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Both cancer and cancer treatment can take a toll on your body. As a result of the disease or your treatment, you may experience a variety of physical symptoms that make everyday life more difficult.

At Atrium Health Floyd and Harbin Clinic, we have physical therapy specialists who understand the unique challenges you face throughout cancer treatment. They work with you to reduce symptoms, improve your strength and energy, and enhance your overall quality of life.

What is cancer rehabilitation?

Cancer rehabilitation or physical therapy is a specialized rehabilitation program exclusively for people with cancer. You can benefit from it at any stage along the cancer journey – from diagnosis through treatment and into recovery.

Your specific program of cancer physical therapy will depend on your symptoms, goals and overall health. You may learn exercises to help you gain strength and endurance. Or you may learn strategies to improve your ability to perform everyday tasks like writing, eating and showering.

Types of cancer rehabilitation

The goal of cancer rehabilitation is to improve your quality of life throughout cancer treatment and recovery. Depending on your needs, your program may include:

Physical rehabilitation: A program of targeted strengthening, stretching and aerobic exercises can help you keep your strength, energy and mobility throughout cancer treatment.
Occupational therapy: Cancer treatment can sometimes lead to neuropathy – numbness and tingling in your hands and feet. This can make everyday tasks difficult. An occupational therapist works with you to navigate challenges and provide strategies for gaining the strength you need.
Speech and swallowing therapy: If your treatment affects your throat, esophagus or vocal cords, working with a specialized therapist can help you more easily speak and swallow.

Conditions treated with cancer rehabilitation

Anyone – at any stage from diagnosis through recovery – can benefit from a customized cancer physical therapy plan. With a personalized program of exercise and other therapies, cancer physical therapy can:

Improve balance to prevent falls
Improve mobility
Increase energy levels
Manage pain
Rebuild strength
Reduce swelling

Cancer physical therapy benefits

Working with qualified rehabilitation specialists in cancer physical therapy gives you many benefits. It will help you feel better, improve your ability to do daily tasks and encourage you to exercise. Overall, therapy enhances your quality of life during and after cancer treatment.

It's important to start slowly and increase your activity gradually. If you feel pain or soreness, discuss it with your physical therapist. They may decide to switch up your routine or lighten the intensity until you gain more strength.