Cancer library
Wearing an immobilisation mask for radiotherapy
Physiotherapists help people affected by cancer using physical methods such as movement, exercise and manual therapy, along with education and advice, to improve your quality of life during treatment. Common side effects of cancer treatment include having decreased strength and difficulties with movement. A physiotherapist can help you to manage and improve these changes, assisting in recovery and minimising both short-term and long-term side effects.
Research has found that physical therapy during cancer treatment has many benefits including:
Reducing physical and psychosocial side effects such as weakness, pain and loss of movement
Improving cardiovascular, metabolic and immune function
Helping to restore balance and protect the body from inflammation
Improving quality of life
Throughout your cancer treatment, a physiotherapist can support you with the following services:
Exercises and strategies to assist in building strength, managing side effects such as fatigue and maintaining a healthy body during cancer treatment
Education and advice to continue physical therapies at home
Manual treatments such as lymphoedema drainage, massage and mobilisation therapy to improve treatment-related side effects
Physiotherapists can also support you once treatment finishes, from coping with long-term side effects to preparing you for returning to work.
At Icon Cancer Centre Singapore we support patients to access allied health services including dietitians and physiotherapists, both at our centres or through telemedicine. Ask your doctor for a referral to book your appointment with our visiting oncology physiotherapist.
References
Content found on the Icon Cancer Centre Singapore website is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. It is not a substitute for consultation with a qualified medical practitioner. For personalised medical guidance, please consult with your GP or another qualified healthcare provider.
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