Exercise supervised by a physical therapist can help anyone undergoing cancer treatment exercise safely and comfortably during treatment, and remain physically active. It also may relieve many of the side effects of cancer treatment.
With a physical therapist’s help, exercise during cancer treatment can:
1. Reduce fatigue
Exercise helps boost energy and endurance during cancer treatment.
2. Maintain muscle strength
Safe exercise can help keep your muscles strong.
3. Reduce stress
Exercising during cancer treatment can help ward off anxiety, fear, and depression.
4. Prevent or reduce lymphedema and swelling
Special physical therapy treatments address lymphedema and swelling.
5. Reduce pain
Safe and comfortable exercise is proven to be effective in reducing pain.
6. Prevent and reduce weight gain
Staying physically active can help you maintain a healthy weight.
7. Reduce brain fog
Exercise has an immediate and long-lasting effect in reducing brain fog.
8. Reduce bone density lossCertain exercises done while standing and moving can stimulate your bones to stay healthy and strong, helping to avoid fractures.
9. Improve the survival rate
Research studies have suggested that consistent exercise during cancer treatment may have beneficial effects that improve the outcome of that treatment.
10. Assist athletes to continue sports training
Athletes undergoing cancer treatment may not have to give up their sport. A physical therapist can help design a special exercise plan that includes an athlete’s chosen sport, a modified version, or aspects of it.