Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is a feeling of extreme tiredness and is usually accompanied by other symptoms. CRF is a debilitating condition that can seriously affect your health and quality of life. Most importantly it can significantly interfere with your life and may limit the effectiveness of chemotherapy cycles. It is the number one complaint of cancer patients and it is a nearly universal problem affecting 78% - 96% of those undergoing treatment.
Signs and Symptoms
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Chronic pain
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Leg pain
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Shortness of breath after light activity
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Difficulty walking short distances
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Difficulty performing daily task
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Extreme weariness and tiredness
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Difficulty paying attention or concentrating
Benifits of Physical Therapy
These signs and symptoms may be exacerbated by emotional stress, anemia, and diet.
It is important to address fatigue because it affects how you live, how well you tolerate cancer therapy, and your overall quality of life. Our goal in Physical Therapy is to help you become as independent as possible. Anyone who experiences signs and symptoms of pain or loss of function would benefit from an individualized physical therapy program.
Our Motivation
Our interest in treating cancer patients comes from seeing patients for pain problems who were S/P cancer and chemo/radiation. When asked about their post - treatment care, they said that either; there was none provided, or that they got a few sessions with a lymphedema nurse. Their fatigue and pain symptoms were not addressed.
In looking at what was offered in the community (with the exception of the lymphedema nurse) there appeared to be no one addressing the cancer patients- once medical treatment had been completed.
Previous advice for cancer patients was often to get more rest and avoid activities that are physically challenging. Recent studies have shown that exercise was found to be effective in preventing or reducing CRF. No adverse affects from exercising have been reported. " Identified as remarkably under utilized, exercise is one of the few interventions suggested to diminish CRF and other psychosocial symptoms. The positive affect of exercise on CRF should underscore the need for physical therapists involvement in the rehab of patients with cancer."
Physical Therapy Program
Our licensed Physical Therapists provide specialized therapeutic services that address the needs of CRF patients. Therapy sessions last approximately thirty minutes to an hour depending on the patient's tolerance. Average number of visits a week is 2 -3. The physical therapy program is concurrent with the cancer therapy and may last throughout the entire treatment phase. CRF is a very complex problem that requires a thorough physical therapy evaluation, where a team approach with physicians is maintained.
How Can Physical Therapy Help ?
Physical Therapy Can:
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Address pain - which in turn can alleviate fatigue
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Use non -drug based treatments such as physical modalities:
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Coach patient on how to exercise
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Alleviate musculoskeletal dysfunction
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Improve posture
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Combat affects of bedrest
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Help to maintain muscle strength and flexibility, and restore muscle balance
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Help to decrease depression by increasing endorphins
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Improve balance
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Improve endurance
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Core body strengthening
