Oncology Care

Physiotherapy can play an important role in supporting patients prior, during and after their cancer treatment.

This includes:

  • Functional rehabilitation to assist with movement, strength, endurance and pain.

  • Treatment for musculoskeletal issues or treatment related conditions such as cording

  • Lymphoedema screening, monitoring and management

  • Palliative care supports

Exercise and Rehabilitation

Exercise is safe and beneficial before, during and after cancer treatment. Our team of physiotherapists can provide safe, individualised exercise options which are tailored to your needs.

Prehabilitation has been shown to maximise adherence to cancer therapy and reduce complications. Exercise during and post cancer treatment has been proven to reduce cancer-related fatigue, improves quality of life, improves bone health and is a key component in prevention and management of lymphoedema.

Recovery from Surgery

For anyone recovering from cancer related surgery, physiotherapy is very important to ensure you are not left with any ongoing restrictions or limitations of movement. This is particularly important for anyone who has undergone a mastectomy or head and neck surgery.

We treat issues such as:

  • Cording or axillary web syndrome

  • Scar tissue

  • Movement restrictions

  • Fatigue

Early Detection and Diagnosis of Lymphoedema Post Cancer Treatment

The Australasian Lymphology Association (ALA) states that early diagnosis and early intervention are the primary means of limiting the impact of lymphoedema in patients. Early detection in the subclinical stage of lymphoedema (before obvious symptoms develop) can allow time for intervention with a Lymphoedema Therapist, which can then prevent or reduce progression of lymphoedema.

Risk Factors for Developing Lymphoedema Post Cancer Treatment

Cancer patients who have undergone one or more of the following treatment are at higher risk:

  • Lymph node surgery (biopsy or dissection)

  • Radiation

  • Taxane based chemotherapy

There is some evidence that the following conditions are also risk factors for cancer related lymphoedema, however the results are not conclusive:

  • High BMI

  • Raised blood pressure

  • Low physical activity

  • Infections of the limb

  • Seroma/post operative infections

  • Early oedema within 3 months of surgery

  • Fluctuations in body weight (<5kg in a month)

What can Physiotherapy do to Help Reduce the Risk of Developing Lymphoedema?

  • Physical activity can reduce the risk of many cancers

  • Prehabilitation can maximise adherence to cancer therapy and reduce complications

  • Exercise is safe and beneficial during and after cancer treatment

  • Early detection and management of treatment problems can improve outcomes

  • The role of physio in palliative care is diverse and patient specific