Receiving a cancer diagnosis is an overwhelming experience that affects not only your physical health but also your mental and emotional well-being. While cancer treatment may involve various medical interventions, regular exercise can support your overall well-being. However, it's essential to understand that your exercise routine may need to be modified during cancer treatment to accommodate your changing needs. Having a certified professional like a physical therapist on your care team can be a great way to ensure your safety and well-being - our team of experts at EW Motion Therapy considers it a privilege to do this for all our clients. Even if you decide that our services do not fit your needs, you can still read on as we explore why it's crucial to adapt your exercise routine during cancer treatment and provide practical tips on how to do so.
Why do you need to adapt your exercise routine during cancer treatment?
Adapting your exercise routine during cancer treatment is crucial for several reasons:
- Safety and comfort: Cancer treatments, such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or immunotherapy, can have various side effects that affect your physical capabilities and overall well-being. Adapting your exercise routine ensures you prioritize your safety and comfort by avoiding exercises that may exacerbate these side effects or cause injury.
- Energy levels and fatigue: Cancer treatments often lead to fatigue and decreased energy levels. Pushing yourself too hard with intense exercise may further deplete your energy and hinder your recovery. By adapting your routine, you can tailor the intensity, duration, and type of exercise to match your current energy levels. This approach helps you maintain a sustainable level of physical activity without overwhelming your body.
- Physical function and rehabilitation: Cancer treatments can impact your physical function, such as muscle strength, range of motion, and cardiovascular fitness. Incorporating strength training exercises can help preserve muscle mass and enhance strength. Stretching exercises can improve flexibility and joint mobility. Cardiovascular exercises can improve heart and lung function. Targeting specific areas affected by treatment can aid your rehabilitation process and help you regain physical function.
- Treatment side effect management: Cancer treatments often come with side effects such as nausea, pain, weight changes, and reduced immune function. For example, gentle exercises like walking or yoga can help reduce nausea and improve digestion. Low-impact exercises can relieve joint pain and minimize the risk of injury. Regular physical activity can also support a healthy immune system, essential during cancer treatment.
- Mental and emotional well-being: Cancer treatment can take a toll on your mental and emotional health, leading to anxiety, depression, and decreased quality of life. Physical activity stimulates the release of endorphins, which are natural mood enhancers. It provides a healthy distraction, boosts self-esteem, and promotes a positive body image. By incorporating exercise into your routine, you can experience improved mental well-being, enhanced cognitive function, and a sense of empowerment.
- Individualized approach: Each person's cancer journey is unique, and their exercise needs will differ. Adapting your exercise routine allows for a personalized approach tailored to your specific cancer type, treatment phase, overall health, and individual limitations. By consulting with your healthcare team and working with exercise professionals experienced in cancer rehabilitation, you can receive guidance on modifying your routine to suit your needs, ensuring the most effective and safe approach.
Adapting your exercise routine during cancer treatment is crucial for your safety, comfort, and overall well-being. By customizing your exercise regimen to match your energy levels, address treatment side effects, and support your physical and mental health, you can optimize the benefits of exercise while respecting your body's limitations.
Benefits of exercise during cancer treatment
Physical benefits
- Increased energy levels: Cancer treatments can often cause fatigue and reduced energy levels. Regular exercise can help combat these side effects, improving your energy levels and overall quality of life.
- Enhanced strength and flexibility: Certain cancer treatments, such as surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy, can cause muscle weakness and reduced flexibility. Incorporating strength training exercises and stretching into your routine can help maintain or regain strength and flexibility.
- Improved cardiovascular health: Aerobic exercises, such as walking, swimming, or cycling, can help improve cardiovascular fitness, lower blood pressure, and reduce the risk of heart disease, which may be of concern during cancer treatment.
Psychological and emotional benefits
- Reduced anxiety and depression: Regular exercise has been shown to decrease anxiety and depression, boost mood, and improve overall mental well-being. It can serve as a valuable outlet for stress relief and offer a sense of control during a challenging time.
- Enhanced cognitive function: Cancer treatments and associated stress can impact cognitive function. Engaging in physical activity has been linked to improved cognitive function, memory, and concentration, helping you stay mentally sharp.
- Increased self-esteem and body image: Cancer treatments may cause changes in body composition and physical appearance, leading to reduced self-esteem and body image concerns. Exercise can contribute to a more positive body image, increased self-confidence, and a sense of empowerment.
How to adapt your exercise routine
When considering exercise during cancer treatment, it's crucial to consult with your healthcare team and follow their recommendations. Here are some tips for adapting your exercise routine:
- Seek professional guidance: Work with an exercise specialist, such as a physical therapist or certified fitness professional experienced in cancer rehabilitation. They can design a personalized exercise plan tailored to your needs, considering the type of cancer, treatment phase, and individual limitations.
- Start slow and progress gradually: Begin with low-impact exercises, such as walking or gentle stretching, and gradually increase the intensity and duration as your energy levels and tolerance improve. Listen to your body, and don't push yourself too hard.
- Include a variety of exercises: Incorporate a mix of aerobic exercises (e.g., walking, swimming), strength training (e.g., light weights, resistance bands), and flexibility exercises (e.g., yoga, Pilates) to promote overall fitness and address specific treatment-related issues.
- Be mindful of safety precautions: Take precautions to avoid infection or injury, such as exercising in clean environments, staying hydrated, wearing appropriate footwear, and practicing good hygiene.
- Stay consistent but flexible: Establish a routine that works for you and fits into your treatment schedule. However, be flexible and adaptable, as some days you may need to rest more or modify your routine based on how you're feeling.
Exercising during cancer treatment can have significant physical, psychological, and emotional benefits. By adapting your exercise regimen to accommodate your changing needs, you can improve your overall well-being and enhance your ability to cope with the challenges of cancer treatment. Always consult your healthcare team and listen to your body throughout the process. Your physical therapist can be an excellent member of your care team to ensure you can stay moving and active during your treatment and do it safely - we love helping our clients do this at EW Motion Therapy. If you’re curious about what else physical therapy can do for you, click the button below to download our answers to 20 frequently asked questions.
