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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    Rehabilitation following cervical cancer treatment.

    Related Topics
    Cancer Cervical Cancer
    My sister in law has just finished her treatment for cervical cancer and I am interested in what rehabilitation program she should be doing to aid in her recovery?
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    Kindra Logan

    Physiotherapist

    Senior Lymphoedema & Oncology Physiotherapist.Founder of The Lymphoedema Clinic & Chelsea Longbeach Physiotherapy, leading Physiotherapy private practices servicing the South East, Bayside & Mornington Peninsula … View Profile

    Many people who are having or have had treatment for cancer express uncertainty about how to safely start rebuilding and regaining their strength, fitness, vitality and confidence in their bodies and abilities. ‘Pink Pilates’ is a program that was founded in New Zealand that has been specifically designed to help women with cancer recover from their treatment. Certified ‘Pink Pilates’ Physiotherapists in Australia can be located on the Pink Pilates website http://www.pinkpilates.com.au and depending on where your sister lives, she may be eligible to access funding through the Pink Pilates trust for up to 10 sessions of the rehab. program.

    Depending on the nature of your sister in laws treatment there are several areas of importance following treatment for cervical cancer. Oncology Physiotherapists can assess, treat and guide women through an appropriate rehabilitation program to address these issues including:

    1. Fatigue and fatigue management strategies
    2. Rebuilding of muscle mass and strength which is often lost with decreased activity and chemotherapy
    3. Assessment of lymphoedema risk, provide education and ongoing monitoring
    4. Activities to facilitate co-ordination, improve memory and address ‘chemo brain’
    5. Improve activation of stabilising and core muscles around abdominals and pelvis
    6. Assess and activate pelvic floor muscle strength, endurance and power
    7. Discuss body composition management as often women gain weight following treatment for cancer
    Appropriate rehabilitation programs have been shown to address all of these factors and more.

    Giving women the guidance and direction to exercise during and after cancer treatment not only assists in the rebuilding of bodies, but also assists in the rebuilding of confidence and improvement in well being.

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    John Stevens

    Exercise Physiologist

    John is an exercise physiologist and owner of Kinetic Medicine, an Exercise Physiology practice with 5 clinics on the NSW Mid North Coast. John is … View Profile

    Recovery from any form of cancer could be one of the most difficult experiences an individual could endure. Depending on the age of the individual, there are any number of factors that may need to be addressed regarding the physical, social and emotional wellbeing of the patient and their support networks. Beginning a rehab process needs to start with some clear cut and realistic goals from which you can determine the most appropriate course of management. Inevitably the rehab process should be primarily exercise based and should directly relate to improving the components specified in the established goals, e.g. balance or lower limb strength. An accredited exercise physiologist (AEP) is an expert in movement solutions and in individually tailored rehabilitation programs for patients with complex needs such as complex and chronic pain, weight management, cardiovascular concerns, mental health and cancer. You can find your nearest AEP at www.essa.org.au

    Best wishes as you partner your sister-in-law through her recovery.

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