What is Cancer Physiotherapy?

Exercise and Physical Activity:

• Cancer-Related Fatigue: Regular exercise has been shown to be effective in reducing cancer-related fatigue, which is a common and distressing symptom experienced by cancer patients.
  •  Example: A Cochrane review published in 2019 found strong evidence that exercise interventions, including aerobic and resistance training, can alleviate cancer-related fatigue during and after cancer treatment.
• Functional Capacity and Quality of Life: Exercise programs, including both aerobic and resistance training, have demonstrated positive effects on functional capacity and quality of life in cancer patients.
  •  Example: Numerous studies, such as a meta-analysis published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology in 2019, have reported improvements in physical function and quality of life with exercise interventions.

Lymphedema Management:

• Exercise and Compression Therapy: Physiotherapy interventions, including exercise and compression therapy, are commonly used in the management of lymphedema, a condition characterized by swelling due to impaired lymphatic drainage.
  • Example:Studies, such as a randomized controlled trial published in JAMA Oncology in 2019, support the use of exercise and compression therapy in reducing arm lymphedema following breast cancer treatment.
• Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD): While the evidence for MLD alone is limited, it is often combined with other interventions for lymphedema management.
  • Example: A systematic review and meta-analysis published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology in 2018 found that the combination of MLD with compression therapy and exercise resulted in greater reductions in lymphedema volume.

Pain Management:

• Exercise and Manual Therapy: Physiotherapy interventions, including exercise and manual therapy, may contribute to pain management in cancer patients, particularly those experiencing musculoskeletal pain.
  •  Example:A systematic review published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine in 2020 found that exercise therapy was effective in reducing cancer-related musculoskeletal pain.
• Acupuncture: Acupuncture, when delivered by trained practitioners, has been studied for its potential role in managing cancer-related pain.
  •  Example: A systematic review and meta-analysis published in JAMA Oncology in 2017 suggested that acupuncture may be effective in reducing cancer-related pain, but more research is needed.

Pulmonary Rehabilitation:

• Breathlessness: Cancer patients, especially those with lung cancer, may experience breathlessness. Pulmonary rehabilitation programs, including exercise and respiratory exercises, have shown benefits in managing breathlessness.
  • Example: Studies, such as a randomized controlled trial published in the British Journal of Cancer in 2019, support the use of pulmonary rehabilitation in improving breathlessness in lung cancer patients.

Cancer Survivorship:

• Long-Term Effects: Physiotherapy interventions are increasingly recognized as important in cancer survivorship to address long-term physical and functional effects of cancer and its treatments.
  • Example:A systematic review published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology in 2018 highlighted the role of physiotherapy in addressing various long-term effects, including musculoskeletal issues and cardiovascular health, in cancer survivors.

Cancer physiotherapy is often integrated into the comprehensive care plan for cancer patients, working alongside other healthcare professionals such as oncologists, nurses, and occupational therapists. The goal is to improve the overall well-being and functional capacity of individuals affected by cancer, helping them cope with the physical challenges associated with the disease and its treatment.