Here's how physiotherapy can help cancer patients in managing side effects of treatment

Last update:March 17, 2025, 21:21 Ist

A well-structured, individualized physiotherapy plan, guided by an onco-physiotherapist ensures a safe and efficient rehabilitation

Cancer is a diagnosis that changes life that not only brings emotional challenges, but also significant physical difficulties. While physiotherapy does not directly influence cancer recurrence, it plays a pivot role in mitigating pain, reducing fatigue and improving the general quality of life for cancer patients. Dr. Navneet Singh, the main physiotherapist, RGCIRC shares everything you need to know:

Why personalized exercise programs are crucial to cancer patients

Cancer patients are experiencing unique physical challenges, which makes a well -structured personalized exercise program, essential for their rehabilitation. Specialized oncology -based rehabilitation configurations are essential for the effective management of different side effects and complications associated with cancer treatment. A carefully designed physiotherapy program helps patients restore mobility, power and functional capacity, both during treatment and after treatment.

Modalities and exercise regimens physiotherapy in the field of cancer

Cancer treatments frequently cause side effects, such as neuropathy, cognitive deficiency, fatigue, rigidity and pain, either due to the disease itself, or as a result of chemotherapy, radiation or surgery. Physiotherapy is effective in managing these complications through the following approaches:

• Electrotherapy: safe modalities, such as stimulation of the transcutaneous electrical nerve (TENS), ultrasound, laser therapy and interferential therapy (IFT), can significantly mitigate pain.

• Pain management: a combination of stretching, strengthening exercises, electrotherapy, postural control and exercise routines can help to manage and reduce pain.

• Postural control and self -awareness: Educating patients on adequate posture and movement is essential to prevent discomfort and further tension.

• Complete decongestive therapy (CDT): used in lymphedema management, this therapy, including manual lymphatic drainage and pneumatic compression therapy, helps reduce the swelling caused by excessive accumulation of lymphatic fluid.

• Peripheral neuropathy induced by chemotherapy (chip): sensory-motor training, tension therapy and tactile stimulation helps to improve nerve function.

• Cognitive rehabilitation (crci): guided exercises, yoga and cognitive stimulation activities can alleviate cognitive decline.

• Cancer fatigue (CRF): Personalized physiotherapy plans are addressed, focusing on energy preservation techniques, allowing patients to maintain daily activities without excessive fatigue.

In oncological physiotherapy, the understanding of contraindications is critical. Certain modes of electrotherapy are contraindicated for patients with active cancer, especially for those with metastases, as they can stimulate unwanted cellular activity. Therefore, it is vital for patients to seek treatment under the guidance of an onco-physiotherapist in a recognized oncology framework.

Specialized physiotherapy for different types of cancer

• breast cancer

Postoperative physiotherapy is essential in the prevention and management of lymphedema. The shoulder range exercises help prevent rigidity, and brachial plexopathy can be managed with targeted interventions.

• Cander of head and neck

Physiotherapy improves the mobility of the neck and post-surgery shoulder and provides solutions for the Trismus (restricted opening of the mouth) and dysphagia (swallowing difficulties).

• lung cancer

Respiratory elimination techniques and breathing exercises improve pulmonary function and reduce breathing.

• uro-oncology, gynaecological and gastro-oncology

Physiotherapy helps to manage incontinence by exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor, including Kegel exercises.

• neurological rehabilitation

Cancer neurological deficits may require long-term physiotherapy, which sometimes extend for six months post-surgery.

Pain management and energy conservation

For patients with permanently ill cancer, physiotherapy plays a crucial role in maintaining daily life activities (ADL), such as self-bitch, dressing and mobility. While physiotherapy cannot cure the disease, it helps patients maintain their independence and dignity, eventually improving their general welfare and quality.

Progress in cancer physiotherapy

Recent advances in physiotherapy have introduced innovative techniques such as:

• Rehabilitation of virtual rehabilitate: used for cognitive deficiency and neurological deficits, virtual reality exercises offer interactive trainer therapy.

• Specialized lymphedema clinics: these clinics offer comprehensive lymphedema management through advanced therapies and education for patients.

A well-structured, individualized physiotherapy plan, guided by an onco-physiotherapist ensures a safe and efficient rehabilitation. Whether by managing pain, postoperative recovery or by improving daily functionality, physiotherapy plays a crucial role in helping cancer patients regain their strength, mobility and improved quality of life.