What is Oncology Physical Therapy?
A Beginner Friendly Guide to Oncology PT for patients
Cancer affects every aspect of life - physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. An oncology specialized physical therapist may not be the first person that comes to mind when thinking of your medical team. However, physical therapy can play a major role in supporting your functional movement, quality of life and decreasing severity of side effects during and after cancer treatment.
When most people think of physical therapy, they think of orthopedic therapy recovering from knee surgery, rehab for back pain, building up strength to prevent falls, etc. Did you know there are many sub-specialities within the physical therapy profession? Oncology specialists is one example. These therapists have taken the time to learn and understand the impact that cancer treatment has on the body, functional movement, musculoskeletal system and more. It is also imperative that these therapists understand how medication, chemotherapy, surgeries and radiation impact all daily activities of their patient.
While the treatments after a cancer diagnosis are necessary, they can lead to fatigue, pain, weakness, neuropathy, lymphedema, mobility issues, etc. Oncology physical therapists are trained to help patients address these side effects safely and effectively with evidence based treatment.
“So why does it matter? My doctor says it is normal and just to be expected during treatment.”
This is something Dr. Katherine hears all the time from her patients. Why does it have to be normal? She pushes the standard way of thinking and wants her patients to thrive during treatment and after treatment … because there is TOO MUCH LIFE to live! Whether it is empowering patients with knowledge and education or setting up a personalized treatment plan, physical therapy interventions should be part of the standard of care for our cancer patients.
During a PT session specific for oncology rehab, Dr. Katherine will listen to the patient first and foremost. After hearing their goals with therapy, Dr. Katherine will perform a thorough assessment in order to create a personalized treatment plan included with very specific education.
So when do I start? The beauty with our current proof in research is that it shows it truly isn’t too early or too late to start, we can help you in any stage from Prehab to survivorship to palliative care. If you were just diagnosed, we can set you up for success to have a plan moving forward into your treatments. If you are in treatment, 1 year or 15 years post treatment and still having side effects, we can still see you! If you are a cancer thriver with side effects of on going treatment or just want to improve your functional mobility, we can see you!
Oncology physical therapy is more than just exercise and putting you on a recumbent bike. It is a powerful tool for recovery with many modalities and specifically, at Victory Therapy and Wellness, we look at the whole body. We offer a relaxing and welcoming environment for one on one care. You will never get shuffled off to a PT tech or PT assistant. You matter to us and we want you to feel empowered to be victorious over your cancer diagnosis.
You are not alone - recovery doesn’t have to wait!