Prehabilitation: Preparing Your Body for Cancer Treatment
How early intervention improves outcomes
In the world of physical therapy, typically it is known for healing and addressing problems that already exist. However, in physical therapy focused on the oncology population, we like to look at enhancing a patient’s functional capacity before they undergo cancer treatment.
It truly is about getting stronger before entering the climb of surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, etc to ensure the patient is equipped to handle any side effects that are to come.
The term “prehab” has been recognized in research and adopted by oncology programs nationally. It is a proactive and personalized approach that begins typically after diagnosis but before treatment. Prehab is not a one size fits all. Some patients just need education on what to expect with side effects and management with exercise. Some patients are starting off with some weaknesses that can be strengthened going into treatment.
The treatment plan can be focused on exercise programs, nutritional guidance, education on expectations and empowering patients, mental health support, etc. Victory Therapy and Wellness prides themselves on a vast network of amazing providers, so if the patient needs to be referred, we know you will be referred to some of the best in DFW.
So why does prehab matter?
Improved Treatment Tolerance - Those who engage in prehab often go into surgery or treatment in better physical condition thus are likely to complete treatment without delays
Faster Recovery - By strengthening the body and any health risks beforehand, patients will experience shorter hospital stays and faster return to normal activities
Reduced Complications and Side Effects - Exercise and prehab can reduce complications such as infections, blood clots, post surgical impairments, etc by improving cardiovascular health, muscle strength and immune function
Better Mental Health- Exercise is excellent for mental health to reduce anxiety and build better coping skills
Enhanced Long Term Outcomes - Creating exercise habits and continuing them during and after treatment, some studies show, can actually have better long term survival rates
The research is endless on the support for prehab. Did you also know that movement is important to your oncologist? Mobility is also important to your treatment team to determine how you will tolerate and qualify for chemotherapies.
Cancer treatment can be physically and emotionally demanding. But with prehabilitation, patients are no longer waiting passively for treatment to begin—they're actively preparing for it. By building strength, reducing stress, and improving overall health before treatment starts, prehab gives patients the best possible foundation for recovery.
Preparing for treatment isn't just about test results and appointments—it’s also about preparing your body and mind for the journey ahead. Prehabilitation is a proactive, empowering step you can take to face cancer with strength and resilience