The role of physiotherapy before, during and after cancer is fundamental to improve the patient's quality of life, but today it is one of the most unknown. The physiotherapist should be one of the main allies of the cancer patient from the moment of diagnosis, with the aim of preparing the patient's tissues for the effects of chemotherapy, radiotherapy or surgery.
The physiotherapist can help combat the consequences of treatment and prevent associated disorders, i.e. work to restore mobility, posture, strength, treat scarring and follow appropriate guidelines to prevent problems such as lymphedema, which occurs when the lymphatic system is unable to drain lymph and causes swelling due to fluid accumulation in the soft tissues of the body.
In this way, the patient will benefit, since in order to develop a correct procedure it is necessary for the physiotherapist to know all the information regarding the type of tumor, the treatment to be used, the medication, the type of surgery to be performed and its evolution, as well as the side effects and/or contraindications that may occur at the respective moment.
The physiotherapist has excellent techniques to address the functional sequelae that appear in patients, often affecting not only their quality of life, but also psychologically. It is therefore essential that patients report how they feel to their physiotherapist.
Sometimes a person may not respond favorably to a treatment, and this may require a modification in treatment. Patients can access physical therapists directly in most places without an initial physician referral.
However, if you have a history of cancer, it is good to have your physical therapist and oncologist or primary care physician communicate regarding your treatment plan.
Each patient is unique and may experience less or more problems in the short or long term, but the appearance or attenuation of these problems may be avoidable the earlier the intervention of physiotherapy in conjunction with the multidisciplinary oncology team.
It is very important to make patients aware that prevention and treatment is the best tool to obtain the best possible results in the event of having a cancerous disease.
In Panama Cancer Clinic we have a multidisciplinary team to provide you with the best tools, knowledge and experience to help you throughout your process.
