Why Early Care Matters and how physical therapy can help
Getting a cancer diagnosis changes all aspects of a person’s life, including the uncertainty of the future. Treatment plans focus on eliminating the cancer through various approaches including chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. Cancer rehabilitation plays an important role in recovery after treatment. However, recovery doesn’t end when treatment is complete. Many cancer survivors experience long lasting side effects that can impact their daily function and quality of life. One of the most common side effects is lymphedema, yet many survivors are never told what to watch for.
What Is Lymphedema?
Lymphedema is a chronic condition caused by a disruption in the lymphatic system, resulting in a buildup of protein rich fluid in the body’s tissues. Although it can be effectively managed, there is currently no cure. It most commonly affects the arms and legs, but can also occur in the chest, breast, abdomen, head, neck, or genital region.
Cancer treatments that may increase the risk of lymphedema include:
- Lymph node removal or biopsy
- Radiation therapy
- Surgery involving the lymphatic system
Not everyone who undergoes these treatments develops lymphedema, however, understanding the risks and recognizing early symptoms can make a significant impact on severity.
Early Signs to Watch For
While some swelling is expected immediately after surgery or radiation, lymphedema typically develops gradually over the months or years that follow. Recognizing the early signs allows treatment to begin before symptoms become more significant. Early lymphedema symptoms may include:
- Heaviness or fullness in the limb
- Mild swelling that comes and goes
- Tightness in clothing or jewelry
- Decreased flexibility or range of motion
- Aching, discomfort, or fatigue in the affected limb
- Changes in skin texture (dryness, firmness, etc.)
How Can Physical therapy Help?
Physical Therapists can provide the specialized therapy designed to help individuals regain strength, function, and independence throughout the cancer journey. Rehabilitation is appropriate before treatment (prehab) to reduce risk of developing lymphedema through patient education, during treatment to conserve range of motion and function, and into survivorship to promote quality of life with all daily activities.
Physical Therapy addresses the physical effects of cancer and its treatment, including:
- Lymphedema
- Scar tissue and soft tissue restrictions
- Limited range of motion
- Pain
- Fatigue
- Weakness and deconditioning
- Balance and mobility challenges
What Is a Certified Lymphedema Therapist?
Certified Lymphedema Therapists (CLT) complete additional education in lymphedema management and pass competency requirements through a specialized training program. Treatment is individualized based on each person’s needs and goals using the gold standard approach called Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT), which includes:
- Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)
- Compression (when appropriate)
- Multi layer compression bandaging
- Long term compression garment recommendations and fittings
- Therapeutic muscle pumping exercises
- Skin and nail care education to reduce risk of infection
In addition to these techniques, CLTs can also assess functional movement and strength, provide education on self management strategies and scar tissue management, reduce discomfort, and help restore confidence through cancer rehabilitation.
Learn more about our own Nicole Shevchik, DPT, CLT
The Importance of Early Evaluation
Many cancer survivors believe swelling is something they just have to live with after cancer treatment. In reality, early assessment can identify subtle changes in the lymphatic system before significant swelling develops. Establishing baseline measurements before surgery or radiation allows for future changes to be detected sooner and can reduce risk of lymphedema progression. Even if your cancer treatment was years ago, it is never too late to seek an evaluation if you’re experiencing swelling, tightness, discomfort, or difficulty with daily activities.
Cancer Survivorship
Survivorship is so much more than completing treatment and being “cancer free.” The goal is to restore health, function, and quality of life so you can return to the things that brought you joy prior to your cancer diagnosis. Managing lymphedema is a lifelong process, but with the right education, treatment, and support, survivors continue to enjoy active and fulfilling lives. Extensive research actually shows that physical activity after a cancer diagnosis significantly improves survival rates, reduces the risk of recurrence, and eases side effects such as chronic fatigue and depression, per the American Cancer Society.
Why Choose Well Being Physical Therapy for Cancer Rehabilitation?
At Well Being Physical Therapy, we understand that cancer recovery is about more than treating a diagnosis. Our goal is to help you return to the activities that matter most with confidence and less discomfort.
As pelvic health physical therapists, we look beyond swelling alone. Cancer treatment can affect mobility, scar tissue, posture, core function, breathing mechanics, bowel and bladder function, sexual function, pelvic pain, and overall movement. Depending on the type of cancer and treatment received, rehabilitation may also address abdominal and pelvic scar tissue, changes in bladder or bowel control, pelvic floor dysfunction, and the lasting effects of pelvic surgery or radiation.
Your rehabilitation plan is individualized to address the whole person, not just one symptom. Whether you are preparing for treatment, actively undergoing treatment, or years into survivorship, we are here to provide compassionate, evidence based care every step of the way.
If you have undergone cancer treatment and are experiencing swelling, tightness, discomfort, mobility limitations, or changes in bladder, bowel, or pelvic health, we are here to help.
Our Certified Lymphedema Therapist provides individualized cancer rehabilitation designed to help you move with greater confidence and return to the activities you enjoy.
Contact Well Being Physical Therapy to schedule an evaluation and learn how cancer rehabilitation can support your recovery.