Advance Physiotherapy has a new physical exercise recovery program specifically designed for Cancer survivors
Our Physiotherapists are certified Pinc and Steel Cancer Physiotherapists
There is a significant positive association between Physical Activity and Sport with greater survival,
especially after Breast, Colon and Prostate Cancer.
Survivors who are physically active for at least three hours per week, have up to
50% reduced risk of mortality from breast cancer and
67% decreased risk of overall mortality.
Structured exercise can reduce the risk of breast cancer re-occurrence by up to 46%
Leading Research on exercise for Cancer demonstrates
- Increased exercise reduces mortality in cancer survivors
- Structured exercise program increases muscular strength by 30%
- Improvement in your vitality and reduce fatigue
- Exercise reduces depression in Cancer patients
Your Recovery Program is specific to you and your needs.
- Physiotherapist leads the classes
- Personal attention and close supervision with your physiotherapist
- Individually tailored exercises
- Gender specific classes
- Small groups, up to 4 people
Improve vitality Reduce fatigue
Increase strength Greater endurance
Contact our Physiotherapists to improve your recovery from Cancer at Frenchs Forest: (02) 9452 2626 & Mona Vale: (02) 9998 3400.
Australian Cancer research demonstrates that 1 in 3 males and 1 in 4 females will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime; 1,8 the most prevalent cancers being Prostrate, bowel, breast, melanoma and lung cancer. 1, 2
Over the past 25 years there has been a 240% increase in the number of people surviving with cancer. Despite the incidence rate for cancer increasing by 27% since 1985, the mortality rates for most cancer types have declined significantly; in 1982 the average five year survival rate was 41%, whereas in 2007 it was 61%.
ISSUES: Fatigue is the greatest symptom experienced by survivors, with over 90% of survivors experiencing fatigue, with 33% suffering chronic long term fatigue. Fatigue adversely affects survivors functional and cognitive abilities as well as their quality of life 3. In a 2004 paper 9 91% reported that fatigue prevented survivors from leading a normal life and 88% stated that they changed their daily routine because of fatigue.
Survivors suffer debilitating physical dysfunctions which contribute to a significant reduction in their quality of life. The main disability issues being13;
- Reduced general strength
- Soft tissue changes (following surgery or radiotherapy)
- Reduced endurance
- Osteoporosis
- Lymphoedema
Musculoskeletal issues of breast cancer survivors were researched by Rietman et. al3.in 2004, with the findings at 2.7 years after completion of treatment, the survivors are still suffering:
- 60% have ongoing pain in the arm on the affected side
- 40% have reduced grip strength
- 9% have reduced range of motion in the shoulder of the affected side
- Average Vitality scores are 12% lower compared to the general population
Cheville et al (2008) reviewed women with metastatic breast cancer living in the community. They found that 88% were in need of physiotherapy due to physical impairments whilst only 21% of those requiring treatment received it.
SOLUTION: Cancer survivorship can be improved with physical activity.2 Evidence based research demonstrates that specific exercise-based rehabilitation for cancer survivors is safe and well tolerated with significant improvement in the side effects of cancer and the treatments, in particular fatigue, strength loss, quality of life and long term prognosis.4
Adamsen et al5 (2009) showed that after only six weeks of exercise consisting of endurance and resistance training produced significant improvements in muscular strength, fatigue, vitality, pain and endurance5.
In 2012, Cantarero-Villanueva et al12, found that an 8 week progressive multimodal program improved muscular endurance and strength, fatigue and mood. The rehabilitation program was run three times per week and specifically consisted of core strengthening exercises, endurance training, stretches and soft tissue massage 12
Breast and Colon cancer survival rate can be improved with physical activity.2 Survivors who are physically active for at least three hours per week, have up to 50% reduced risk of mortality from breast cancer and 67% decreased risk of overall mortality. Additionally it can reduce the risk of breast cancer re-occurrence by up to 46%, with similar findings being found with colon cancer survivors. 2
Advance Physiotherapy is dedicated to providing exceptional care and progressive exercise rehabilitation with the specific intent of improving the quality of life, wellbeing and overall health of men and women who continue to recover following their cancer diagnosis.