Advanced rehabilitation in cancer care

Verified by Dr. Anil D’Cruz – Sr. Consultant & Director Oncology, Apollo Cancer Centres &Dr. Nitin Menon – Lead Consultant Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Apollo Hospitals, Navi Mumbai.

Advanced rehabilitation in cancer care refers to a comprehensive approach to helping cancer patients and survivors recover from the effects of cancer and its treatment. It encompasses a wide range of services, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, psychosocial support, and vocational rehabilitation.

There is a growing body of evidence to support the benefits of advanced rehabilitation in cancer care. For example, a study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that patients with head and neck cancer who received physical therapy after surgery had better swallowing and speech outcomes than those who did not receive physical therapy. Another study, published in the journal Cancer, found that patients with breast cancer who received occupational therapy after surgery had less pain and lymphedema than those who did not receive occupational therapy.

Why do we need advanced rehabilitation in cancer care?

• First, it can help patients and survivors to manage the symptoms of cancer and its treatment, such as pain, fatigue, lymphedema, and cognitive impairment.
• Second, it can help patients and survivors to improve their physical function and quality of life.
• Third, it can help patients and survivors to return to work and other activities of daily living.

Types of advanced rehabilitation services

Advanced rehabilitation in cancer care is typically delivered by a team of specialists, including physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, psychologists, and social workers. The team works together to develop a personalized rehabilitation plan for each patient or survivor according to his/her needs and goals.

• Physical therapy: Physical therapy can help patients and survivors to improve their range of motion, strength, and endurance to recover from surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. It can also help patients and survivors to learn how to manage pain and other symptoms.
• Occupational therapy: Occupational therapy can help patients and survivors to learn how to perform activities of daily living, such as dressing, bathing, and cooking. It can also help patients and survivors to adapt to their homes and workplaces to make them more accessible.
• Speech therapy: Speech therapy can help patients and survivors who have difficulty swallowing, speaking, or understanding language. It can also help patients and survivors to communicate more effectively.
• Psychosocial support: Psychosocial support can help patients and survivors to cope with the emotional and social challenges of cancer. It can also help patients and survivors to build a support network.
• Vocational rehabilitation: Vocational rehabilitation can help patients and survivors to return to work or to find new employment. It can also help patients and survivors to develop job skills and to find educational opportunities.

Apollo Cancer Centres in Navi Mumbai has an advanced rehabilitation centre supported by robotic devices, Lokomat & Erigo for early rehabilitation of individuals with disabilities secondary to cancer. These advanced robotic devices aid in the prevention as well as management of complications or side effects arising as a result of cancer treatment.

Lokomat allows completely paralyzed or weakened patients to practice normal walking for a long time, in a safe setting without fear of falling or feeling tired and helps regain a more normal pattern of walking. Extended stay in the ICU after cancer surgery can cause complications as a result of immobility. Our Erigo robotic device helps maintain the flexibility of joints and muscles, thus ensuring an early return to daily activities. The centre also provides voice rehabilitation for individuals with voice box issues secondary to treatment for head and neck cancer.

If you are a cancer patient or survivor, talk to our expert doctors, Dr. Anil D’Cruz – Sr. Consultant & Director Oncology, Apollo Cancer Centres &Dr. Nitin Menon – Lead Consultant Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Apollo Hospitals, Navi Mumbai about advanced rehabilitation in cancer care.

Call 022 6280 6280 for an appointment.