Cancer Rehab | PROmotion Health

C.A.R.E (Cancer Rehab)

C.A.R.E Assessment Online Booking

Research shows exercise is an effective medicine for people with cancer. Exercise is widely accepted as important for maintaining good health and decreases the risk of developing many cancers including our common cancers. Around 30 years ago, about 5 in 10 people survived for at least 5 years after their cancer diagnosis. More recent figures now show that about 7 in 10 people will live longer than 5 years post-diagnosis and exercise during and post-treatment plays a vital role in this.

Why exercise is important

Benefits of Exercise during Cancer Treatment & Recovery include:

· Improved muscle strength and fitness

· Improved physical function to help with everyday activities

· Improved immune function

· Improved chemotherapy completion rates

· Reducing the risk of long-term heart problems after radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy

· Minimise loss of bone strength

· Reduce the risk of developing lymphedema

· Improve fatigue & energy levels.

Exercise guidelines

Targeted exercise prescription, which includes behaviour change advice and support, is needed to ensure the greatest benefit for the patient is achieved, with very low risk of harm. Specificity is key here. Exercise prescription will be tailored for you and your needs, as although two people may have the same cancer, but may have completely different abilities and needs.

Type

While for the majority, an assortment of exercises (consisting of aerobic and resistance exercise) of moderate to high intensity will be appropriate, there is no set prescription and total weekly dosage that would be considered consistent across all cancer patients.

How Much

The amount of exercise advised for those with cancer and in recovery is without a doubt a personalised, and not a “one size fits all” approach. A more common approach should be to follow the Australian guidelines for physical activity, and these are:

Accumulate 150 to 300 minutes (2.5 to 5 hours) of moderate intensity physical activity weekly
Be active on most, preferably all, days every week
Undertake muscle strengthening activities on at least 2 days each week

C.A.R.E at PROmotion

Initial Assessment & C.A.R.E Sessions

Our experienced exercise physiologists are available for appointments every day, including before and after work hours and on Saturday mornings.

All patients must have a one hour initial assessment with an Exercise Physiologist which involves a full past and present medical history, a physical examination to assess cardiovascular, respiratory and musculoskeletal function plus a collaborative discussion with regards to the individual’s needs and goals to ensure the tailored program that is developed is specific to that person.

Once the initial assessment is complete the C.A.R.E program can be either be completed 1:1 (45 minute individual sessions with the Exercise Physiologists) or in Small Group sessions (45 minute session with a maximum of 3 patients with the Exercise Physiologist)