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| Exercise Therapy |
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Staying Active
Exercise can help people lose weight, gain muscle strength and/or mass, improve mobility, lift mood, decrease blood pressure and maintain healthy lifestyle habits. At the Menen Centre, we work to help you reach your own goals with various exercise therapy recommendations (from basic stretching, to cardiovascular exercises, strength training and yoga) which can help you achieve your optimum mental, emotional and physical health.
Staying Active Throughout Cancer
Exercise can support you through all phases of the cancer journey. During treatment, exercise can give you more energy and keep you strong so you can better tolerate conventional therapies such as chemotherapy or radiation. Once treatment is complete, exercise can help minimize long-term side effects, such as lymphedema, and reduce the risk of other chronic conditions, like diabetes and heart disease. At the Menen Centre for Optimum Health, our exercise therapy recommendations are uniquely created for your individual needs.
The following information was attained from Cancer Treatment Centres of America -- we hope you find the information useful for your own exercise goals.
A Little Activity Goes a Long Way
When fighting cancer, it is understandable if you don’t feel like exercising. Yet, even a small amount of activity, such as a short walk or gentle stretching in bed, can go a long way toward improving your well-being.
Wherever you are in your treatment and recovery, physical activity can help to:
Decrease fatigue
Increase strength and endurance
Improve mood and concentration
Reduce pain and nausea
Improve mobility and balance
Reduce stress, anxiety and depression
Improve self-image
Exercise During Cancer Treatment
The following are examples of how certain exercises can support you during treatment:
- Cardiovascular/aerobic exercise (e.g., walking, cycling, climbing stairs) helps increase stamina and may protect your heart and lungs from some of the toxic effects of chemotherapy.
- Strength training (e.g., with resistance bands) helps build muscle strength and tone, and may help protect against chemotherapy-related bone loss or loss of muscle mass during treatment.
- Stretching improves flexibility, reduces soreness, and can help improve blood and oxygen flow to the brain, which may help combat some of the neurological effects of treatment.
Get Started With Rehabilitation
Cancer can change how your body looks, feels and performs. You may have difficulty walking, going up and down stairs, getting in and out of bed, or other physical limitations. Rehabilitation can help restore your strength and functional independence so you can continue to stay active and participate in the activities you enjoy most.
For example, physical therapy can help you rebuild strength, improve coordination, and alleviate pain so you can be active and independent. Occupational therapy can help you with performing everyday activities, like getting dressed, grooming, bathing, and eating.
Tips for Staying Active During Cancer Care
- Check with your health care team first. Always check with your doctor before beginning any exercise program. Individual factors, such as your cancer type/stage, treatment regime, and current medical condition, will help determine the type and level of physical activity that is safe and appropriate for you.
- Try low-impact activities. Yoga is an example of a gentle, low-impact form of exercise you may decide to try during cancer treatment. By incorporating physical postures, breathing practices, and meditation, yoga can help to enhance range of motion, flexibility and strength without being too strenuous.
- Set goals for yourself. Having clear goals can help you evaluate your progress, and recognize and reward your achievements. Develop a written plan of short- and long-term goals, and keep a record of your progress. Aim for regular, light exercise (e.g., a 15-minute walk three times a week).
- Start out slowly and build up gradually. You may need to give your body some time to recover after treatment. It is important to start slowly and gradually increase your physical activity to a level that best suits you. Try shorter, easier versions of the activities you enjoy, and focus on one activity at a time.
- Plan activities for when you're feeling best. Try to use your energy on the activities most important to you. You may find it helpful to save certain activities during times when you feel best. By performing activities at the right level, and at the right time, you can still have energy to do the things you enjoy.
- Take rest breaks in between activities. You don't have to do everything at one time. Spread out your activities to allow time for your body to rest and recover. Set aside time throughout the day to rest and take short naps in between activities. It is important to pace yourself.
- Be creative and vary your activities. Choose activities you enjoy, such as walking, bicycling, dancing, or swimming. You could use a treadmill or exercise bike while watching your favorite show on television. Other therapies, like Qi Gong and Reiki therapy, may help to reduce pain and restore energy.
- Know your limits. Listen to your body and balance activity with rest. If you can't carry on a conversation while you are exercising, you may be pushing yourself too hard. If you feel too tired, try to do 10 minutes of gentle stretching exercises in place of a walk.
- Use assistive devices, if needed. Assistive devices (e.g., canes, walkers, braces, splints, orthopedic shoes, grab bars, handrails, etc.) can help reduce pain and enhance balance. These devices can also promote your independence by making it easier for you to perform everyday activities.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle. Cancer and cancer treatment often puts extra demands on your body for calories, nutrients and fluids. Try to eat a well-balanced diet to give your body the energy it needs, and make sure to stay hydrated. Also, try to maintain a regular sleep schedule and manage stress.
NOTE: THIS INFORMATION IS NOT INTENDED NOR IMPLIED TO BE A SUBSTITUTE FOR PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD ALWAYS CONSULT WITH A MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL BEFORE BEGINNING ANY EXERCISE OR CANCER REHABILITATION PROGRAM.
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