Cancer treatments, while life-saving, often bring about a range of side effects that can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. From the aftermath of surgeries to the lingering effects of radiation, these challenges can disrupt daily activities, mobility, and overall well-being. Fortunately, physical therapy and specialized modalities offer effective solutions to help manage and alleviate these side effects.
Scar Adhesion Formation: Scars from surgery can create adhesions, restricting movement and causing discomfort.
Range of Motion Limitations: Surgeries near joints or involving major muscles can lead to stiffness and reduced mobility.
Chronic Pain: Persistent discomfort at or near surgical sites.
Decreased Sexual Function or Pain During Intercourse: This can result from pelvic surgeries or radiation therapy affecting sensitive areas.
Bowel or Bladder Dysfunction: Surgeries affecting the pelvic region may impair normal bowel or bladder control.
Radiation therapy can cause scarring of tissues, leading to tightness, pain, and a loss of flexibility in affected areas. Depending on the type of cancer and treatment, symptoms of radiation fibrosis may include
Tightness in the chest and shoulder: Common after radiation for breast cancer, this may restrict arm movement and cause discomfort with daily activities. In some cases, this can progress to frozen shoulder, a condition where the shoulder joint becomes stiff and painful, limiting its range of motion. SoftWave TRT can help by promoting tissue healing, reducing inflammation, and restoring mobility in the affected shoulder.
Vaginal stricture or narrowing: Shortening or tightening of the vaginal canal often occurs after radiation for gynecologic cancers, causing pain or discomfort with intercourse. SoftWave TRT can enhance tissue flexibility and healing in this area, while MedWave Narrow Light Therapy supports collagen production and reduces inflammation, aiding in scar management and improving overall tissue health.
Digestive issues: Radiation for abdominal or pelvic cancers can lead to diarrhea, painful bowel movements, or chronic constipation.
Urinary problems: Symptoms such as urinary retention, increased frequency, urgency, or incontinence may occur after radiation targeting the pelvic region
Swelling in one or more limbs, often resulting from lymph node removal or radiation. This condition can cause discomfort (not pain, but more of a tightness in the skin), heaviness, and reduced mobility.
Lymphedema is a progressive condition, meaning it can worsen over time if not treated. Prompt treatment can help control the disease’s progression, preventing further complications.
Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT): A specialized approach combining manual lymphatic drainage, compression bandaging, and tailored exercises.
Compression garments and self-care strategies are taught to maintain results and prevent worsening of symptoms.
Modalities like MedWave Narrow Light Therapy can enhance circulation and support lymphatic drainage. This therapy promotes collagen production, reduces cortisol levels, and increases dopamine, offering both physical and psychological benefits during recovery.
Modalities like MedWave Narrow Light Therapy can enhance circulation and support lymphatic drainage.
Physical therapy focuses on restoring function, reducing pain, and improving overall quality of life. Here’s how physical therapy addresses specific cancer treatment side effects:
Scar Adhesion Management:
Manual techniques, including abdominal massage, and modalities help break down adhesions, improving mobility and reducing discomfort around surgical scars.
Treatment can also improve the elasticity of the skin and underlying tissues.
Range of Motion Improvement:
Tailored exercises target stiff joints and tight muscles to restore flexibility and strength.
Stretching routines and joint mobilization techniques can help regain lost mobility.
Pain Reduction:
Myofascial release and other manual therapies alleviate chronic pain by addressing tension in muscles and fascia.
Modalities like SoftWave TRT and MedWave Narrow Light Therapy promote tissue healing and reduce inflammation.
Pelvic Health Restoration:
Specialized pelvic floor therapy helps address issues like pain with intercourse, decreased sexual function, and bladder or bowel dysfunction.
Techniques such as internal and external myofascial release and biofeedback provide relief and restore function.
Radiation Fibrosis Management:
Gentle stretching, manual therapies like abdominal massage, and soft tissue mobilization improve flexibility and reduce tightness caused by radiation fibrosis.
Modalities like cupping and dry needling can further release tension and improve tissue health.
Benefits of Combining Modalities with Physical Therapy
Physical therapy alone provides significant benefits, but when paired with complementary modalities, the outcomes can be even more impactful. Here are some key modalities used in treating cancer treatment side effects:
SoftWave TRT: Stimulates healing and reduces chronic pain through acoustic wave technology.
MedWave Narrow Light Therapy: Helps reduce inflammation and support tissue regeneration.
Cupping Therapy: Alleviates muscle tightness and improves blood flow to affected areas.
Dry Needling: Targets trigger points in muscles and releases tension effectively.
Real Stories: Hope and Healing After Cancer Treatments
K S
"Fantastic! I was referred here by my Physical Therapist to continue with therapy after my "PT graduation." Katie is helping me deal with cording and mobility. Her techniques of massage, dry needling, and sofwave are extremely effective. If you are dealing with any issues post Breast Cancer surgery or treatment, I highly recommend a visit to Katie. She is also very kind, and scheduling is very easy on-line."
Take Back Control of Your Life
Cancer treatments don’t have to leave a lasting negative impact on your body. With targeted physical therapy and innovative modalities, you can regain mobility, reduce pain, and improve your quality of life. Reach out today to learn how these therapies can support your recovery journey.