Physical Therapy For Cancer Patients

A cancer diagnosis can alter the course of your life in a number of ways. Thankfully, many forms of cancer can be treated with chemotherapy, radiation, or medications.

Even after achieving remission, you may find that your battle with cancer has affected the way your body functions. Physical therapists are uniquely qualified to help you regain maximum comfort and mobility once your cancer is in remission.

Physical therapy can help treat fatigue.

Fatigue is one of the symptoms that cancer patients complain of most when going through chemotherapy or radiation. As the body fights off cancer cells, the fight can take a toll on your energy levels. Moderate amounts of exercise can actually help reduce feelings of fatigue by flooding your body with endorphins.

These feel-good hormones can improve your outlook on life and help you feel more energized and ready to face treatment in the future. A physical therapist can evaluate your health and design a specialized exercise program that will help you safely battle fatigue over time.

Physical therapy can restore your range of motion.

Many patients who receive treatment for cancer find themselves spending a significant amount of time in bed. Although bed-rest can be beneficial in cancer recovery, remaining immobile for long periods of time can compromise the function of your muscles, ligaments, and joints.

A physical therapist can work with you to complete basic exercises and stretches that will restore your range of motion. This will reduce the risk of injury and ensure that you are able to return to your daily activities without significant discomfort in the future.

Physical therapy can help reverse a loss in bone density.

Some of the chemotherapy drugs that are used to fight cancer can cause patients to lose density in their bones. A loss of bone density leaves you susceptible to breaks and can contribute to arthritis over time.

Physical therapy involves the completion of weight-bearing exercises that can be useful in reversing a loss in bone density. By stimulating bone reformation through targeted weight-bearing exercises, a physical therapist can help you improve the strength of your skeletal system following the completion of chemotherapy.

Cancer and physical therapy might not seem like they have much in common, but physical therapy can be a valuable tool in helping you minimize the negative effect cancer treatment can have on your body. Check out a website like http://advancedphysicaltherapyofsj.com/ for more information and assistance.