OpEd “Empowering Recovery: The Vital Role of Physical Therapy in Cancer Care”
By: Stacy Regan PT, DPT, Barrett Hospital & HealthCare
Cancer diagnosis and treatment are journeys fraught with challenges that touch nearly every aspect of a patient's life. From the moment the word "cancer" enters the conversation, individuals find themselves navigating a complex landscape of medical decisions, emotional turmoil, and physical strain. While the focus often zeroes in on the pivotal roles of chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery, one crucial ally in the battle for wellness and quality of life often remains overshadowed: physical therapy.
Physical therapy (PT) serves as a beacon of hope for cancer patients, offering not just rehabilitation but a pathway to reclaiming a sense of normalcy and strength. It is a misconception that PT primarily addresses injuries or post-operative recovery unrelated to cancer. Recent advancements and clinical experiences have highlighted PT's profound benefits in the comprehensive cancer care paradigm.
Physical therapy provides significant benefits tailored to each phase of cancer treatment. In the pre-treatment stage, PT helps in conditioning patients by enhancing their physical fitness and resilience. This preparation can make a notable difference in how individuals endure the rigors of surgery or the debilitating effects of chemotherapy.
During active treatment, the role of PT becomes even more crucial. Cancer therapies can result in a suite of side effects, such as fatigue, neuropathy, and muscle atrophy, all of which may severely impact a patient’s daily life. Physical therapists devise personalized exercise regimens that combat these effects. These tailored programs help maintain mobility, improve circulation, and reduce fatigue, thereby enhancing the overall effectiveness of cancer treatments and improving patients’ mental health by fostering a sense of autonomy and control.
In post-treatment recovery, physical therapy shifts to focus on overcoming sedentary habits developed during treatment and managing chronic issues that might have arisen. Lymphedema, a common side effect of certain cancer treatments, involving painful swelling, can often be alleviated through specialized PT interventions. Pelvic floor therapy can be helpful for pain and sexual functioning after treatment for prostate cancer.
Moreover, physical therapy shines in its holistic approach to healing—a rarity in modern medicine that cancer patients deeply appreciate. The therapeutic interactions provide emotional support, addressing psychosocial dimensions by fostering patient-therapist relationships that contribute significantly to recovery. Such support is pivotal, especially when battling a disease that often makes individuals feel isolated from their "normal" lives.
In conclusion, physical therapy should be an integral component of cancer care, not just an optional adjunct. As research continues to underscore its benefits, healthcare providers must proactively incorporate PT into cancer treatment plans. It empowers patients, restores dignity, and redefines recovery by viewing them not merely as survivors but as individuals capable of thriving beyond their diagnosis.
