Being treated for cancer [1] is complicated and challenging, but recent research shows that physical activity benefits cancer survivors. With the survival rate for half of all cancers greater than five years, more people are living with the effects of cancer and its treatment.

The medical treatments for cancer can leave patients with acute and/or chronic conditions that impact everyday activities and quality of life, such as fatigue, peripheral neuropathy, memory and other cognitive issues, pain, limited range of motion and muscle strength, cardiac and pulmonary deficits and lymphedema.

Good Shepherd therapists are specially trained in oncology rehabilitation, exercise for cancer survivors and lymphedema therapy. Physical, occupational and speech therapy are available to help improve range of motion, flexibility, conditioning and swelling, tingling and pain issues. The goal is to improve everyday or leisure activities.

“As a cancer survivor, I highly recommend therapy and exercise during and after cancer treatment,” says Carla Hagan, OTR/L, CLT, an occupational therapist at Good Shepherd Physical Therapy-Souderton. “In addition to helping the patient cope with fatigue and other physical and cognitive effects, our therapists can help the patient bridge a host of support services, from support groups to complementary medicine.”

To learn more, call 1-888-44-REHAB (73422) or contact us [2].