Cancer Rehabilitation
Physical medicine and rehabilitation (PMR) for cancer patients helps prevent, diagnose and treat side effects, complications and other disorders that can be caused by cancer and cancer treatments.
The goal of PMR for cancer patients is to help restore function in everyday life, and if needed, manage side effects to help the patient continue cancer treatments that lead to better outcomes.
PMR may include various types of therapy (physical, occupational and speech), as well as medications and other rehabilitation techniques that help patients restore function.
EMG may be used to diagnose nerve and muscle problems that can result from cancer treatments, and then rehabilitation treatments can help relieve these symptoms.
Areas Where PMR May Be Helpful
- Assessment and treatment of cancer-related loss of function
- Return to work and driving issues
- Lymphedema management
- Treatment of musculoskeletal pain and peripheral neuropathy
- Spasticity management
- DME needs
When Cancer Patients May Benefit from PMR
Rehabilitation services can occur at any point in the cancer journey.
- Preventive rehabilitation - may take place before or immediately after cancer treatment to prevent loss of function
- Restorative rehabilitation - can help restore function for patients who have completed treatment but have a disability
- Supportive rehabilitation - increases self-care and mobility in patients with progressive cancer and a disability
- Palliative rehabilitation - helps maintain comfort or function in patients whose cancer is terminal