Oncology Rehabilitation is a specialized program supporting individuals who have undergone medical treatment or major surgeries such as gastrointestinal, abdominal, and other cancers. Oncology rehabilitation provides numerous advantages for cancer patients by helping them improve strength, reduce stress, regain independence, support their immune system, maintain energy levels necessary for treatment continuation and daily activities, and enhance endurance, strength, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life.

The dedicated integrative oncology rehabilitation care team at Care Nest Life Healthcare comprises licensed physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech and language pathologists to deliver a personalized approach to cancer care. They collaborate with patients to determine the most beneficial oncology rehabilitation therapies for each patient based on their unique requirements.

Once the personalized treatment plan is established, we continuously monitor the patient’s progress, assess their response, and make any necessary adjustments to the program.

Care Nest Life Healthcare utilizes conventional cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery to combat the disease. Additionally, the department also offers auriculotherapy and lymphedema prevention and treatment strategies. The various supportive therapies help manage cancer-related symptoms and side effects, enabling patients to focus on their healing process and minimize treatment delays. Furthermore, they are available round the clock to support patients’ physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.

SYMPTOMS MANAGED BY ONCOLOGY REHABILITATION

Oncology rehabilitation plays a crucial role in managing a wide range of side effects that cancer patients may experience during their treatment journey, including: 

Anxiety and Stress: Cancer diagnosis and treatment can lead to heightened anxiety and stress. Oncology rehabilitation incorporates techniques such as relaxation exercises, mindfulness, and counseling to help patients manage these emotional challenges.

Intimacy Challenges: Cancer and its treatments can affect intimacy and sexual function. Oncology rehabilitation offers counseling and strategies to address these issues, fostering communication and intimacy within relationships.

Balance: Certain cancer treatments or physical impairments can affect balance and increase the risk of falls. Oncology rehabilitation includes balance training exercises, assistive devices, and gait training to improve stability and reduce fall risks.

Lymphedema: Lymphedema, the swelling of limbs or other body parts due to a compromised lymphatic system, can occur after cancer surgeries or radiation therapy. Oncology rehabilitation employs manual lymphatic drainage, compression therapy, and exercise to manage and reduce lymphedema symptoms.

Malnutrition: Cancer and its treatments can lead to malnutrition and weight loss. Oncology rehabilitation addresses nutritional needs, offering dietary counseling, meal planning, and support to ensure patients receive proper nourishment.

Memory and Cognition: Some cancer treatments may cause cognitive impairments and memory difficulties. Oncology rehabilitation employs cognitive exercises, memory aids, and techniques to enhance cognitive function and address these challenges.

Mucositis and Mouth Sores: Chemotherapy and radiation can cause painful mucositis and mouth sores. Oncology rehabilitation focuses on oral care, pain management strategies, and supportive therapies to alleviate discomfort and promote healing.

Numbness: Nerve damage or neuropathy resulting from cancer treatments can lead to numbness or tingling sensations. Oncology rehabilitation utilizes sensory re-education techniques, therapeutic exercises, and medications to manage and improve sensation.

Pain: Cancer-related pain can be debilitating. Oncology rehabilitation offers various pain management strategies, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, medications, and alternative therapies such as acupuncture or transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS).

Weight Loss: Unintentional weight loss is a common side effect of cancer and its treatments. Oncology rehabilitation addresses weight management through nutritional support, dietary counseling, and exercise programs tailored to individual needs.

Body Image: Cancer and its treatments can impact body image and self-esteem. Oncology rehabilitation provides counseling, body awareness exercises, and support groups to help patients cope with changes in physical appearance and foster a positive body image.

Digestive Issues: Cancer therapies may lead to digestive problems such as nausea, vomiting, and bowel irregularities. Oncology rehabilitation offers dietary modifications, medication management, and symptom control strategies to improve digestive health.

Dry Mouth: Dry mouth, or xerostomia, can result from cancer treatments. Oncology rehabilitation focuses on oral hygiene, saliva stimulation techniques, and medications to alleviate dry mouth symptoms and enhance oral comfort.

Eating Difficulties: Swallowing difficulties or dysphagia can arise due to cancer treatments. Oncology rehabilitation provides swallowing exercises, modified diets, and assistive devices to improve swallowing function and ensure safe and enjoyable eating.

Fatigue: Cancer-related fatigue is a common and distressing side effect. Oncology rehabilitation incorporates energy conservation techniques, exercise programs, and lifestyle modifications to manage fatigue and improve energy levels.

Immobility: Surgery, treatments, or physical impairments may limit mobility and functional abilities. Oncology rehabilitation employs physical therapy, mobility aids, and assistive devices to restore mobility and independence.

Insomnia: Cancer and its treatments can disrupt sleep patterns and lead to insomnia. Oncology rehabilitation addresses insomnia through sleep hygiene education, relaxation techniques, and behavioral interventions to improve sleep quality and promote restful nights.