What is physiotherapy for cancer?
Physiotherapy is a medical treatment for complaints of the musculoskeletal system, aimed at restoring freedom of movement, reducing pain, and improving the overall functioning of the body through exercises, advice, and training. A physiotherapist analyzes the cause of the complaints and draws up a treatment plan with goals such as learning to move better with the complaints, increasing load-bearing capacity, and preventing recurring complaints.
The oncology physiotherapist specializes in oncology and treats, guides, and advises patients with cancer or residual symptoms after cancer.
In which phase can the oncology physiotherapist help?
The oncology physiotherapist can be deployed during all phases. In the curative phase, everything is focused on combating the cancer. In this phase, the oncology physiotherapist can, for example, help limit and combat loss of physical fitness. This can be a side effect of chemotherapy.
The recovery phase focuses on regaining mobility, quality of life, and control over activities of daily living. The oncology physiotherapist can, for example, assist with an exercise program to improve fitness and advise on resuming work and sports.
Sometimes the disease cannot be (fully) cured, but it can be brought under control and kept under control. Cancer then takes on more of the character of a chronic disease. This has physical, psychological, and social consequences for the patient. Every patient must cope with the new situation in their own way. The oncology physiotherapist treats common complaints and supports and coaches the patient.
The palliative phase begins the moment the patient is informed that a cure is no longer possible and treatment is no longer aimed at a cure. This phase can last weeks, months, and sometimes even years. Quality of life and the patient's wishes are central during this phase. The oncology physiotherapist can help the patient lead an active life for as long as possible.
In the terminal phase, it becomes clear that the end of life is approaching. The patient must say goodbye to their loved ones and to life. In this phase, the patient's comfort is paramount. The oncology physiotherapist can, for example, help find the most comfortable position. Breathing exercises can provide relief from shortness of breath. Pain and anxiety can be reduced through relaxation therapy.
Which complaints can be treated?
The oncology physiotherapist treats, guides, and advises patients with cancer or residual symptoms after cancer.
Specific symptoms resulting from the cancer or its treatment may include:
- pain
- fatigue
- reduced muscle strength
- reduced stamina
- restricted movement in one or more joints
The treatment is therefore not aimed at the cancer itself, but at the consequences of the disease. If necessary, collaboration within the practice is possible with the manual therapist, shoulder physiotherapist, edema physiotherapist, jaw physiotherapist, or psychosomatic physiotherapist and/or exercise therapist. In addition, there is a multidisciplinary collaboration involving, among others, occupational therapy, dietetics, podiatry, a psychologist and the home care organizations Bloezem and Amstelring .
Monthly consultations are held with all healthcare providers within the OCC Hoofdorp, during which patients and their treatment pathways can be discussed. There is also good contact with doctors in secondary care.