What is Oncology Physiotherapy?

According to the National Cancer Institute, the number of people living beyond a cancer diagnosis reached nearly 14.5 million in 2014 and is expected to rise to almost 19 million by 2024. However, with the advent of chemotherapy and radiation, things began to change. New research revealed the gamut of side effects associated with these interventions, including fatigue, muscle pain, neuropathies, balance deficits, and changes in cognition. It became apparent that there was an imminent need for cancer rehabilitation interventions, and cancer intervention specialists.

The APTA 2016 House of Delegates has unanimously approved a motion to create a clinical specialty in oncology, for PTs to treat patients who have experienced cancer, lymphedema, and HIV. Oncology Physiotherapy are programs that are for patients undergone medication for cancer treatments and come out victorious is fighting cancel, but numerous side effects from the medication like chemotherapy and radiation.

Some of the most common side effect of medication for the cacer patient who recovered from cancer are

• Fatigue: Fatigue is the most common effect of cancer and its treatment. Studies show that moderate exercise can improve symptoms of fatigue in cancer survivors.
• Deconditioning   A Physiotherapists  is a medical professional who can design an individualized exercise program to build strength and cardiovascular endurance safely.
• Pain and joint stiffness Physiotherapists can prescribe exercises and improve joint mobility decreased because of radiation therapy, chemotherapy or prolonged immobility.
• Lymphedema Post-treatment side effect after radiation or surgical interventions for breast cancer. surgery causes chronic swelling in the upper extremities because of a build-up of lymph fluid. Regular exercise, compression garments and manual interventions by specially certified physical therapists can improve lymphedema.
• Decreased bone density Chemotherapy drugs can reduce bone density, causing osteopenia or osteoporosis, more susceptible to fractures. Physiotherapists can prescribe appropriate weight-bearing exercises to promote bone reformation