Questions about your treatment

How can physio help with recovery from cancer?

A physio who has training in cancer rehab has specific knowledge of how cancer and cancer treatment such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and medication can affect the body physically, mentally and cognitively. Cancer treatment effects may lead to physical impairments including pain, fatigue, lymphoedema, weakness, restricted range of motion, joint pain, and osteoporosis. Our goal is to minimise these side effects and ultimately improve quality of life.

When should I start physio? Before or after treatment?

It is strongly recommended to have an initial consult before treatment commences so that an individual plan can be created. However, physiotherapy can commence at any point in the journey.

What can I expect from physio?

Treatment is varied depending on what is indicated for the individual. Examples are hands on treatment or scar management post-surgery, implementing an individual exercise program aimed at strengthening muscles and improving joint movement, or it could be prescribing a specific walking or cycling program to help manage fatigue during chemotherapy. We also provide rehab to help manage the many side effects of cancer medication, especially hormonal side effects.

What is lymphoedema and how do I know if I need treatment?

Lymphoedema is a disease where there is a chronic and progressive build-up of fluid and other elements (e.g. proteins) in the tissue spaces of the body. The lymph system is responsible for the transport and processing of fluid within the body and then waste from this fluid is excreted. If there is damage to this system a backlog occurs, likened to a traffic jam, which results in the fluid build-up. Commonly people experience this condition after lymph node removal, surgery, or radiation as well as other medical conditions or trauma. It is important to engage with a lymphoedema therapist to monitor for lymphoedema from cancer treatment.

What conditions benefit from lymphoedema treatment?

Lymphoedema can either be classified as primary or secondary. Primary lymphoedema is caused by hereditary or congenital abnormalities of the lymphatic system. Here the lymph vessels develop abnormally, and onset can be at birth, puberty or in adulthood.

Secondary lymphoedema is the result of damage which has occurred to the vessels and/or lymph nodes of the lymphatic system. This could be from an operation, radiotherapy, infections, burns or serious wounds or injury. It is also associated with overload of the lymphatic system, where it cannot function properly, this can occur with venous disease, immobility, lipoedema or obesity.

What would treatment entail?

It is important to work with a lymphoedema therapist to help manage the condition optimally. Therapy options can include manual lymphatic drainage, bandaging, compression garment prescription and other modalities.

What is lipoedema?

Lipoedema is a chronic condition which results in the build-up of adipose (fat) tissue on the body. Typical affected areas are thighs, buttocks, lower legs and occasionally arms. The condition primarily affects females and seems to have both a hormonal and genetic component. Those with lipoedema may be more at risk of getting lymphoedema.

Summary of treatment options 

· Decongestive Lymphatic Therapy

Decongestive lymphatic therapy comprises multiple treatment approaches for lymphoedema and is performed by therapists with appropriate training. These therapies include:

· Manual lymphatic drainage – a type of light massage that promotes movement of lymphatic fluid out of the swollen limb or region.

· Compression therapy – this involves compression bandaging and/or compression garments which aim at reducing or controlling swelling.

· Skin care – skin changes are associated with lymphoedema so maintaining adequate skin care promotes healthy skin integrity and reduce the risk of infection.

· Exercise – a mixture of resistance and strength training that has many benefits including improving blood circulation and stimulating the lymphatic system, maintaining a health weight and improving limb movement and overall quality of life.

Treatment can also include other modalities including Sequential Intermittent Pneumatic Compression (SIPC), Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) and kinesiotaping. A therapist should have appropriate training to undertake decongestive lymphatic therapy and be actively involved with other medical professionals that work with the patient