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Physical Therapy for Cancer
Physical therapy is a common treatment for many conditions that cause physical symptoms. You may have symptoms because of injury or surgery, or because of treatment for certain health conditions. Physical therapists assess and treat movement issues. They provide strategies to improve balance, movement and strength, and teach self-care strategies to help people enjoy a better quality of life.
What is physical therapy?
Physical therapy is for people of any age with any one of many conditions, including cancer. It includes balance and mobility training, exercises and stretches to promote flexibility and physical independence and improve healing.
Cancer can affect how you move and physically function in your daily life. Physical therapy can help make it easier for you to do everyday movements like lifting or reaching for things, sitting, standing and walking.
Physical therapy can provide relief if you have cancer and are experiencing side effects from chemotherapy, radiation, surgery or other treatment. It can also address physical symptoms you may have such as fatigue, numbness, swelling or tingling. Physical therapy can also help with attention and memory challenges.
Why choose us for physical therapy in San Antonio?
There are several reasons to choose Mays Cancer Center for physical therapy, including:
- Cancer specialty: Physical therapy for cancer requires therapists who understand the unique needs of someone going through or recovering from cancer treatment. Members of our physical therapy team are certified in lymphedema management and oncologic and orthopedic-related issues. So, they are trained to treat people with swollen limbs and musculoskeletal issues.
- Clinical collaboration: Located within Mays Cancer Center, our physical therapists work closely with cancer and rehabilitation doctors, occupational and speech therapists, and inpatient services at UT Health San Antonio Multispecialty and Research Hospital to provide you with comprehensive care.
- Research-based techniques: Our physical therapists work together to create therapy plans for you. The plans align with evidence-based methods to meet your needs and goals.
- Teaching environment: Our physical therapists stay at the leading edge of their field, educating physical therapy students on innovative assessment and treatment strategies.
What to expect with physical therapy for cancer
Your physical therapist will meet with you one on one to assess your needs. Then, they develop an individualized treatment plan based on your condition and symptoms. They may also perform tests to determine which types of therapy will help you.
Therapy may include a single consult to create a home exercise program, a few sessions, or may last weeks or months, depending on your treatment plan.
Frequently asked questions about physical therapy for cancer
How can physical therapy help with different types of cancer?
We most commonly see patients diagnosed with:
- Blood cancers, to treat weakness caused by treatments or abnormal blood count
- Breast cancer, to help with stretching and strengthening your shoulder area, scar treatment, cardiovascular conditioning, and lymphedema therapy and risk reduction
- Cardio-pulmonary cancers, to help with aerobic conditioning, breathing techniques, improving lung function and endurance
- Head and neck cancer, to help with stretching and strengthening your neck and shoulder area, scar treatment, cardiovascular conditioning and lymphedema risk reduction.
- Neuro-oncology, to help with balance, coordination and mobility to help lessen spasticity and reduce the risk of falls
- Prostate cancer, to help with pain management, pelvic floor exercises for urinary incontinence and sexual function, and treatment for lymphedema
- Uro-gynecologic cancer, to assess pelvic floor function, mobility and strength, which affect bladder, bowel and sexual function, and to treat risk factors for lymphedema
What cancer symptoms can physical therapy help with?
Physical therapy helps with many symptoms related to cancer and its treatment, including:
- Balance issues
- Cancer-related cardiovascular health issues
- Coordination and dexterity
- Decreased strength
- Fatigue
- Gait abnormalities
- Loss of flexibility
- Low bone density
- Lymphedema and swelling
- Pain
- Scar tissue
- Weakness
What types of treatments does physical therapy provide?
Physical therapy uses treatments such as:
- Aerobic conditioning
- Balance training
- Compression bandaging (for lymphedema)
- Energy conservation strategies
- Gait training
- Manual lymphatic drainage (to help with natural draining of lymph fluid)
- Manual therapy
- Metabolic conditioning
- Myofascial release (to help with pain from radiotherapy or surgery)
- Strengthening exercises
- Stretches
Can I do physical therapy during treatment?
People often experience fatigue during cancer treatment. The National Comprehensive Cancer Center (NCCN) says exercise is the number one most effective non-drug treatment for fatigue. Our physical therapists provide tailored exercises and modified movements to help restore blood flow and relieve fatigue. People commonly do physical therapy during chemotherapy and radiation and before surgery to prevent secondary medical issues and improve mobility during treatment.
Is physical therapy for cancer covered by insurance?
Physical therapy is covered by many insurance plans. Our benefits coordinator will work with your insurance company to verify coverage before you start treatment.
Get cancer care
Physical therapy requires a physician’s referral. Call 210-450-6470 to make an appointment with one of our specialists
