The American Cancer Society has recently identified nationwide objectives to provide appropriate care for individuals with cancer; this includes physical therapy for 90% of cancer survivors by 2015.

Scientific evidence has shown that women who have had either a lumpectomy or a mastectomy and underwent physical therapy two weeks after surgery reported a decrease in pain, increase in range of motion, increase in strength in the arm and hand, and an improved quality of life.*

Scientific evidence showed that women with breast cancer who were randomly assigned to a physical therapy program three months before undergoing surgery achieved 14% more range of motion in the involved shoulder than women who did not undergo physical therapy. Progress was also checked at six, 12 and 24 months of physical therapy and showed a 7% increase in shoulder range of motion. *

Scientific research from the Journal of Clinical Oncology, reported that men with prostate cancer who participated in a moderate resistance exercise regimen experienced improved quality of life and decreased levels of fatigue. As with breast cancer, exercise helps to regulate hormones associated with prostate cancer risk.

If you are fighting cancer, chances are you are experiencing Cancer Related Fatigue (CRF). CRF is a side effect from cancer therapies like chemo-therapy and radiation therapy. It is described as a feeling of whole body tiredness that is not relieved by rest or sleep.

Research indicates that nearly 58%-100% of cancer patients receiving treatment have CRF. Unfortunately CRF is treated less than 5% of the time.*

Scientific evidence has supported the role of physical therapy in preventing or reducing CRF. The positive effect of exercise on CRF emphasizes the need for physical therapist’s involvement in the rehabilitation of patients with cancer.*

20-40% of cancer survivors has or will develop lymphedema. Lymphedema causes swelling of a body part, most often the extremities. It is a result of an accumulation of protein rich fluid in the superficial tissues, which can have significant pathological and clinical consequences for the patient if left untreated.*

While there is no cure for lymphedema, the condition can be properly managed by the physical therapist through a combination of early detection, clinical treatment, education and home management.

The American Cancer Society has recently identified nationwide objectives to provide appropriate care for individuals with cancer; this includes physical therapy for 90% of cancer survivors by 2015.

Scientific evidence has shown that women who have had either a lumpectomy or a mastectomy and underwent physical therapy two weeks after surgery reported a decrease in pain, increase in range of motion, increase in strength in the arm and hand, and an improved quality of life.*

Scientific evidence showed that women with breast cancer who were randomly assigned to a physical therapy program three months before undergoing surgery achieved 14% more range of motion in the involved shoulder than women who did not undergo physical therapy. Progress was also checked at six, 12 and 24 months of physical therapy and showed a 7% increase in shoulder range of motion. *

Scientific research from the Journal of Clinical Oncology, reported that men with prostate cancer who participated in a moderate resistance exercise regimen experienced improved quality of life and decreased levels of fatigue. As with breast cancer, exercise helps to regulate hormones associated with prostate cancer risk.

If you are fighting cancer, chances are you are experiencing Cancer Related Fatigue (CRF). CRF is a side effect from cancer therapies like chemo-therapy and radiation therapy. It is described as a feeling of whole body tiredness that is not relieved by rest or sleep.

Research indicates that nearly 58%-100% of cancer patients receiving treatment have CRF. Unfortunately CRF is treated less than 5% of the time.*

Scientific evidence has supported the role of physical therapy in preventing or reducing CRF. The positive effect of exercise on CRF emphasizes the need for physical therapist’s involvement in the rehabilitation of patients with cancer.*

20-40% of cancer survivors has or will develop lymphedema. Lymphedema causes swelling of a body part, most often the extremities. It is a result of an accumulation of protein rich fluid in the superficial tissues, which can have significant pathological and clinical consequences for the patient if left untreated.*

While there is no cure for lymphedema, the condition can be properly managed by the physical therapist through a combination of early detection, clinical treatment, education and home management.