Survive & Thrive Physical Therapy for Cancer Treatment

You lead the way, and we help you get there at Palmer Physical Therapy for Women.

PURPOSE

Our Survive & Thrive physical therapy for cancer treatment program prevents, eliminates or decreases the side effects of cancer treatment, including:

• Fatigue
• Pain
• Neuropathy
  
• Muscle weakness
• Decreased range of motion and tightness
• Postural issues
• Loss of balance
• Depression

Pam Palmer, founder of Palmer Physical Therapy for Women, has undergone chemotherapy and radiation and is uniquely aware of the needs of women undergoing cancer treatment.

TREATMENT

• Physical therapy for cancer treatment involves:
• Cardiopulmonary exercise to reduce fatigue and pain
• Soft tissue and joint range of motion therapy to increase mobility and decrease stiffness
• Neural stretching and range of motion to decrease pain and symptoms of neuropathy
• Strengthening exercises to prevent muscle weakness
• Balance exercises to prevent falls and improve walking
• Care for neck and low back pain

WHO

Survive & Thrive is for any woman currently undergoing or who has completed treatment for cancer, including chemotherapy and radiation.

WHAT

Survive & Thrive consists of one-on-one treatment with a physical therapist, who has specialized education in physical therapy for care during and after cancer treatment. Each patient is assessed and evaluated for a completely personalized care plan.

WHY

We should not assume that women with cancer should rest during chemotherapy and radiation. Instead, amount-specific physical activity should be performed to reduce the side effects of cancer treatment while allowing for rest days, when needed.

A significant amount of new research shows that physical activity during and after chemotherapy and radiation helps decrease fatigue and pain, improve physical and emotional functioning, decrease hospital stays and may improve tolerance of chemotherapy. Survive & Thrive exercises are customized for frequency and intensity. All women – from those exercising in a chair to the endurance athlete – can benefit.

WHAT NOT TO EXPECT

Patients will not exercise at an intensity or a duration that is not appropriate for them. We use our specialized education and experience to create your specific care plan. By recognizing that extreme fatigue and other complications often accompany cancer treatment, we will determine a reasonable and appropriate starting level and progression path. Our goal is to partner with you to minimize and overcome the side effects of cancer treatment.

WHAT TO EXPECT

During your first physical therapy for cancer treatment visit, you will meet on-on-one with your female physical therapist and work only with her throughout your care. The physical therapist will evaluate your pain, neuropathy, range of motion, tissue restriction, strength, endurance and balance. The care plan and exercise program will address these deficits and help you achieve your individualized needs and goals.

A typical session will include:

• Manual therapy for stretching and mobilization as needed to address motion restriction, pain and neuropathy
• Education on proper technique and form during exercise to reduce risk of injury
• Exercise for strengthening, balance and cardiovascular function
• Progression of home exercises based on your response to ensure optimal results



Maintaining a healthy weight and active lifestyle reduces the risk of recurrence. Palmer Physical Therapy for Women is here to help you get your life back!