Previous
Oncology Physiotherapists
The role of physiotherapy in Oncologic rehabilitation includes restoring function, reducing pain, reducing disability, increasing endurance and mobility and ultimately improving quality of life.
Physiotherapy interventions may include:
Positioning for pain control and pressure relief
Respiratory care: management of dyspnoea, removal of secretions, pacing strategies
Mobility: evaluate and improve bed mobility, transfers, ambulation, stairs
Exercise therapy to improve flexibility, strength, balance, endurance and function
Neurological rehabilitation techniques
Education of patient and family in appropriate handling techniques for transfers
Relaxation techniques to reduce levels of anxiety
Assist with discharge planning by recommending mobility aids and follow-up PT services if appropriate
Physiotherapy has a key role to play in the managements of patients throughout their cancer journey. The primary goal is to assist the person with cancer in achieving maximum physical functioning within the limits imposed by their disease or treatment.
Team work
Physiotherapists work closely with other members of the oncology team:
Physicians: diagnosis, prognosis, care plan
Occupational Therapy: home assessment, seating, ADL’s
RN: transfer techniques, meds
CCAC: discharge planning
Social work and spiritual care
Oncology physiotherapists have specialized knowledge of oncology that allows them to tailor the physiotherapy treatment plan and interventions to taking into account:
review of relevant lab values in the oncology patient population and how it affects physiotherapy intervention (for example, the importance of reviewing coagulation profiles and platelet counts when assessing the risk of complications from a fall)
increased risk of DVT/PE
bony metastisis - how this affects mobilization guidelines (ex. WBAT - weight bearing as tolerated) Are resisted exercises safe? Is manual chest physiotherapy safe?
malignant pleural effusions - is there a role for chest physiotherapy?
spinal cord compression - may present similar to paraplegia. Is there a risk of inability?
be aware of basic chemotherapy and radiation side effects and how they may affect physiotherapy intervention
overview of common cancers and prognosis (ex. AML, CML, ALL, CLL, NSCLC, DLBCL, ovarian, breast, brain)
red flags for suspicion and diagnosis of cancer
Physiotherapists are involved in assessing and treating:
mobility: strength, range of motion, ambulation, stairs
balance
providing mobility devices
energy conservation techniques
breathing techniques: to control SOB, aid in relaxation
positioning for pain relief
Physiotherapy services at the KGH are provided in all program areas by referral.
Physiotherapy Resources
McDonnell ME, Shea BD. The role of physical therapy in patients with metastatic disease to bone. Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation. 1993; 3:78-84.
The Role of Physiotherapy for People with Cancer - CSP Position
Statement July 2003 The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy