Physiotherapy

Depending on the side effects and severity of the cancer treatment, patients may be recommended to undergo oncology rehabilitation. The rehabilitation aims to maintain and restore function, quality of life as well as emotional well-being for cancer patients. Oncology rehabilitation is available before, during, and after cancer treatment to address various conditions that may arise.

Lymphoedema is the swelling of the arms or legs caused by problems with the lymphatic system. It is a common side effect of cancer treatment, especially breast cancer, with 1 in 5 breast cancer patients being affected by lymphoedema after their treatment. Physiotherapy can manage and reduce the swelling through manual lymphatic drainage (MLD), massage, and exercise.

Patients suffering from pelvic issues like incontinence, sexual dysfunctions and pelvic pain can address many of these symptoms through pelvic floor rehabilitation. This form of rehabilitation aims to restore function and improve pelvic health through exercise and manual therapy. 

Many pain conditions around the pelvis can be improved through pelvic floor rehabilitation, such as:

• Uterus/bladder prolapse
• Urinary incontinence
• Dyspareunia
• Vaginismus
• Coccydynia
• Painful bladder syndrome
• Chronic pelvic pain syndrome
• Persistent genital arousal disorder

Other women’s health-related musculoskeletal conditions:

• Pre-natal/post-natal low back pain
• Symphysis pubic dysfunction
• Pelvic girdle pain
• Diastasis recti
• Trigger fingers
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Restless leg syndrome
• Leg cramping
• Neck pain

Depending on the treatment and the body’s condition, pain might be an unavoidable part of the patient’s treatment. With physiotherapy, the pain and discomfort can be reduced and controlled, improving the patient’s quality of life.