What is it?

It is the area of physiotherapy aimed at preventing, treating and minimizing the sequels derived from the oncological process and its treatments. Together with the medical team, physiotherapy contributes to improve the quality of life, independence and well-being in the different stages of the disease.

What does oncological physiotherapy treat?

Oncological physical therapy does not seek to treat cancer, it is aimed at treating the person who is or has undergone an oncological process in order to maximize the functionality of patients as well as to improve patients’ adherence to their medical treatments.

When to receive it?

Rehabilitation: Secondary to the diagnosis and prior to the start of treatment, a plan of education and improvement of physical capacities that will be affected during the oncological treatment is initiated.
Support: The aim is to maintain functional physical capacities, as well as to reduce symptoms such as fatigue and pain present during treatment.
Rehabilitation: After the treatments and their effects on physical capacities, the aim is to rehabilitate the patient to be functional and independent in their personal, work and social activities without major limitations.

What are the possible sequelae of cancer?

Pain
Fatigue
Mobility deficits
Loss of muscle mass (Sarcopenia)
Obesity (Sarcopenic obesity)
Lymphedema
Cardiorespiratory disorders
Neuropathies
Radiodermitis
Oncological wounds

What is lymphedema?

Lymphedema is an accumulation of lymphatic fluid in the fatty tissues just under your skin. It usually manifests itself in the extremities appearing as swelling with a feeling of heaviness in the limb.

Myths about lymphedema?

You cannot carry weight: Based on recent research it is possible to perform resistance exercise in a controlled, progressive and supervised manner, without risk of increasing lymphedema.

In advanced stages, the limb should be amputated: Even in advanced stages of lymphedema, current treatments based on compression and exercise can reduce the volume of the limb and improve the function of the limb.

Lymphedema cannot be prevented: Its evolution can be prevented by educating the patient by knowing the red flags and having effective treatment guidelines such as adequate compression and therapeutic exercise.

Conclusions

Physiotherapy is SAFE in cancer patients at any time during cancer treatment.

Treatment should be PERSONALIZED to the needs of each patient.

Receiving adequate treatment will have benefits in their HEALTH, PHYSICAL-PHYSICAL-PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING AND QUALITY OF LIFE.