Role of Physiotherapy in Cancer Treatment
Role of Physiotherapy in Cancer Treatment
Cancer care often requires a multi disciplinary team approach. Alongside oncologists, surgeons, and medication, physiotherapy, nurses plays a vital role in helping patients manage physical challenges and side effects. The aim is to restore strength, mobility, and overall well-being in before, during and after treatment.
Our Unique Approach at our Hospital
At Shanmuga Hospital, physiotherapy is an integral part of the treatment plan. Our physiotherapists work closely with oncologists, nurses, and other specialists to ensure that care is tailored to each patient’s needs. This team based approach helps patients recover faster, regain independence, and improve their quality of life.
How Physiotherapy Supports Cancer Treatment
- Pain Management
Pain can result from the disease itself or from surgery and treatments. Techniques such as manual therapy and targeted exercises help reduce discomfort. For example, after breast cancer surgery, gentle mobility exercises can ease shoulder stiffness and chest tightness. - Lymphoedema Care Expertise
Proficient in managing lymphoedema using manual lymphatic drainage and air compression therapy devices to effectively reduce swelling, enhance mobility, and improve patient comfort. Skilled in tailoring treatment plans and teaching self-care techniques to support long-term management.
- Regaining Range of Motion
Regaining range of motion (ROM) means restoring the normal flexibility and movement of a joint or body part that has become stiff or restricted due to cancer treatments such as surgery, radiation, or prolonged inactivity.For example,After breast cancer surgery patients may experience stiffness and reduced shoulder mobility due to surgical incisions, scar tissue, or pain. With consistent physiotherapy, patients often regain normal shoulder movement, allowing them to return to everyday activities with greater ease and confidence.
- Fatigue Management
Cancer-related fatigue is a persistent feeling of tiredness or lack of energy that is not relieved by rest. It’s one of the most common side effects of cancer and its treatments, such as chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery.For an Example, A patient undergoing chemotherapy for colon cancer reports extreme tiredness and struggles to walk even short distances. A physiotherapist adviced to do low-intensity exercises ,breathing exercises and Teach energy conservation techniques.
- Respiratory Support
Patients recovering from lung cancer surgery often need breathing exercises to improve lung function and prevent complications. - Promoting Functional Independence
Physiotherapy helps patients perform daily activities safely and confidently, whether it’s walking, dressing, or returning to hobbies.
Physiotherapy in the Prophylactic Phase for Oncology Services
This refers to the period before cancer treatment begins after diagnosis but before surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation. The goal of physiotherapy at this stage is to prepare the patient’s body for upcoming treatments, reduce the risk of complications, and promote a smoother recovery.
Key Objectives
- Optimise Physical Fitness – Building strength, endurance, and flexibility to help the body cope better with treatment stress.
- Educate on Post-treatment Needs – Teaching breathing techniques, safe movement patterns, and exercises patients will use after surgery or therapy.
- Prevent Complications – Reducing the likelihood of joint stiffness, respiratory issues, or deconditioning.
- Improve Psychological Readiness – Enhancing confidence and reducing anxiety through guided exercise and reassurance.
For example ,a patient scheduled for lung cancer surgery attends physiotherapy sessions before the operation.
- The physiotherapist teaches the exercises to strengthen lung capacity and gentle mobility and strengthening routines to prepare muscles for postoperative mobilisation.
- Educates the patient on safe coughing and splinting techniques to protect the surgical site.
Physiotherapy During and After Hospitalisation
During Hospital Stay
- Assessment: Understanding the patient’s physical status and goals.
- Pain Relief: Using manual therapy and other methods to ease discomfort.
- Breathing Exercises: Especially important for those with lung conditions.
- Early Mobilisation: Encouraging safe movement soon after surgery.
- Education: Guiding patients and families on home exercises and symptom management.
After Discharge
Many patients continue physiotherapy as outpatients, receiving ongoing guidance to support recovery and prevent complications.
Standing Beside You on the Road to Recovery
Physiotherapy is more than a set of exercises—it’s a holistic, patient-centred approach to restoring quality of life. At Shanmuga Hospital, our physiotherapists combine clinical expertise with compassion, supporting patients through every step of their recovery journey.
Whether you’re undergoing cancer treatment or caring for someone who is, remember that physiotherapy can help rebuild strength, restore mobility, and renew confidence, one step at a time.
