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Physical Therapy for the Oncology Patient Across the Cancer Continuum
A cancer diagnosis and its treatments can affect the body in many ways—impacting strength,
movement, energy, and overall quality of life. Physical therapy plays an important role in helping
oncology patients feel stronger, move more comfortably, and maintain independence throughout all stages of cancer care.
Every oncology patient’s journey is unique. Physical therapists work closely with the patient and
healthcare team to create a personalized treatment plan based on diagnosis, treatment stage,
and individual goals. Programs are designed to be safe, adaptable, and responsive to how the
patient is feeling day to day.
Physical therapy supports oncology patients before, during, and after treatment. Care is tailored
to each stage of the cancer journey to optimize recovery, function, and quality of life.
Pre-Operative Therapy
Post-Operative Therapy
Post-Operative Therapy
Before surgery, physical therapy helps prepare the body and establish a strong foundation for
recovery.
Goals of Pre-Operative Care:
- Obtain baseline measurements of strength, range of motion (ROM), posture, balance,
- limb measurements and functional abilities
- Provide education on what to expect after surgery and how physical therapy supports
- rec
Before surgery, physical therapy helps prepare the body and establish a strong foundation for
recovery.
Goals of Pre-Operative Care:
- Obtain baseline measurements of strength, range of motion (ROM), posture, balance,
- limb measurements and functional abilities
- Provide education on what to expect after surgery and how physical therapy supports
- recovery
- Teach post-operative range of motion exercises and gentle stretches to promote
- safe, early movement
- Discuss activity guidelines, positioning, and precautions
- Empower patients with knowledge to reduce fear and improve confidence going into
- surgery
- Establishing baselines allows for more accurate tracking of progress after surgery.
Post-Operative Therapy
Post-Operative Therapy
Post-Operative Therapy
After surgery, physical therapy focuses on restoring movement, reducing complications, and
supporting healing.
Post-Operative Focus Includes:
- Assessing range of motion (ROM) and functional mobility
- Addressing pain, stiffness, and movement limitations
- Monitoring and evaluating for lymphedema, swelling, or fluid changes
- Assessing for cording (axi
After surgery, physical therapy focuses on restoring movement, reducing complications, and
supporting healing.
Post-Operative Focus Includes:
- Assessing range of motion (ROM) and functional mobility
- Addressing pain, stiffness, and movement limitations
- Monitoring and evaluating for lymphedema, swelling, or fluid changes
- Assessing for cording (axillary web syndrome) and tissue restrictions
- Screening for signs of infection or surgical complications
- Guiding safe, progressive exercises to restore mobility and function
- Early intervention can help prevent long-term restrictions and improve surgical outcomes.
Therapy During Active Cancer Treatment
Therapy Following Completion of Treatment
Therapy Following Completion of Treatment
Physical therapy during chemotherapy, radiation, or immunotherapy helps patients manage side
effects while maintaining strength and mobility.
Key Areas of Care Include:
- Managing cancer-related fatigue through safe, individualized activity
- Addressing pain related to treatment, positioning, or soft tissue restrictions
- Maintaining or improving st
Physical therapy during chemotherapy, radiation, or immunotherapy helps patients manage side
effects while maintaining strength and mobility.
Key Areas of Care Include:
- Managing cancer-related fatigue through safe, individualized activity
- Addressing pain related to treatment, positioning, or soft tissue restrictions
- Maintaining or improving strength and endurance
- Monitoring and evaluating for lymphedema, swelling, or fluid changes
- Managing radiation-related complications, such as skin tightness, fibrosis, or limited mobility
- Providing strategies to improve posture, breathing, and functional movement
- Supporting overall quality of life and independence during treatment
- Physical therapy programs are adjusted to how patients are feeling and may change weekly based on treatment response.
Therapy Following Completion of Treatment
Therapy Following Completion of Treatment
Therapy Following Completion of Treatment
After cancer treatment ends, physical therapy focuses on long-term recovery and return to
meaningful activities.
Post-Treatment Goals Include:
- Assessing the need for continued physical therapy
- Restoring prior level of function in motion, strength, and endurance
- Addressing persistent pain, stiffness, or movement limitations
- Assisting with activi
After cancer treatment ends, physical therapy focuses on long-term recovery and return to
meaningful activities.
Post-Treatment Goals Include:
- Assessing the need for continued physical therapy
- Restoring prior level of function in motion, strength, and endurance
- Addressing persistent pain, stiffness, or movement limitations
- Assisting with activity modifications, work-related demands, and recreational goals
- Reducing risk of long-term complications and recurrence of symptoms
- Supporting long-term wellness and survivorship
- The goal is to help patients return to daily life with confidence, comfort, and independence.
A Partner in Your Cancer Journey
Physical Therapy is a supportive tool that empowers oncology patients to move better, feel stronger, and live more fully—at every stage of care. Our goal is to help you regain control of your body, improve function, and enhance your overall quality of life.
