As cancer treatments become ever more advanced there are now more people than ever before surviving a cancer diagnosis or living with cancer. Whilst advances in medicine and life expectancy can only be a good thing, the majority of these people are living with the physical and emotional consequences of their cancer treatment.
The good news is that most of these problems can be overcome and if not resolved then significantly improved.
The latest research shows that remaining physically active may be the most important thing YOU can do to manage the side effects of cancer treatment, recover faster from surgery and help prevent cancer recurrence. A systematic review of over 100 studies in 2017 showed that exercise after cancer diagnosis is associated with a reduction in cancer related death of up to 44% and it is the number one treatment for the most common and debilitating side effects of cancer. And this does not cover the myriad of evidence demonstrating the benefits of regular exercise in otherwise healthy populations which are of course applicable after a cancer diagnosis as well. This includes a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, dementia, stress, depression, improved sleep quality, improved self esteem, improved bone density (especially important for those on hormone therapy) and a reduced risk of falls.
These sessions can help you:
- Optimise your physical and functional recovery
- Ease pain and muscular tension
- Regain strength, flexibility and confidence in your body
- Improve your core strength and posture
- Learn exercises to enhance your own recovery after surgery and prevent long term problems
- Increase energy levels and improve your general fitness
- Achieve your own fitness goals with an individualised, safe training program
- Progress into group classes, Pilates, or NEXT STEPS programs
The PINC rehab programme can be divided into four phases.
- Pre Op Phase – is designed to help patients before their cancer surgery. It involves a pre-op assessment and education to identify any factors that may affect recovery from surgery and return to work. A pre-op rehab plan will be devised for each individual which will include specific exercises to strengthen muscles and improve stamina; education and functional guidance.
- Post Op Phase – designed to assist in the healing process of patients who are recently post surgery. It aims to restore strength and flexibility to particular joints and muscle groups that have become weak and inflexible as a result of surgery. Includes manual physiotherapy and gentle modified exercises to maximise recovery from surgery, education and functional guidance for home and work.
- Adjuvant Cancer Treatment Phase – designed to improve energy levels and maintain health during cancer treatments to reduce the impact on physical functioning and overall conditioning. It aims to help patients manage fatigue, flexibility, strength and stamina to reduce time off work, muscle wasting and functional impairment. In addition to focusing on stretching and strengthening exercises for the upper and lower extremities, it contains workouts to improve abdominal strength and spinal stability; education about fatigue management, home and work based modifications and cardiovascular exercise.
- Fitness Phase – Designed to facilitate overall conditioning to increase physical stamina after treatments are completed. It aims to improve cardiovascular fitness, strength and flexibility to increase endurance, elevate the metabolism, improve muscle tone and body composition. The exercise selection focuses on improving physical functioning to maximise recovery to return to work, and living a full and productive life. Education on fatigue management, return to work, sport and leisure activities.
This leaflet gives you more information about what to expect:
If you would like more information, you can look at the PINC and STEEL website https://www.pincandsteel.uk/ or give us a call at the clinic. We look forward to seeing you soon!