Cancer Rehabilitation
There are now more people surviving a cancer diagnosis, however they are often more at risk of other health complications as well as suffering side effects from the cancer treatments. This includes side effects such as fatigue, depression, deconditioning, reduced quality of life or difficulty participating in work, hobbies and sports.
Flex Rehabilitation Clinic
Flex is one of Adelaide’s leading rehabilitation clinics, combining Adelaide’s most experienced and skilled practitioners in Physiotherapy, Clinical Pilates, massage and exercise therapy.
With an ethos based on highly personalised care, Flex is able to provide a superior level of individualised management and care that will assist people through all stages of cancer treatment.
Flex Physiotherapist Sarah Clarke has completed the comprehensive cancer rehabilitation course provided by PINC & STEEL International and is a certified PINC Cancer Rehabilitation Physiotherapist.
Exercise Therapy
Exercise is a safe and effective evidence-based intervention to counter the adverse physical and physiological effects of cancer and its treatment. Specifically, exercise:
- Improves the effectiveness of chemotherapy and other cancer treatment, as well as minimising the side effects of these treatments
- Lowers the relative risk of cancer recurrence
- Lowers the relative risk of cancer-related mortality
- Improves energy levels, mood and posture
- Improves sleep
- Improves quality of life
- Improves muscle and bone strength
If you are feeling any common symptoms of fatigue, stiffness, muscle tightness or weakness, Flex Physiotherapy and Pilates provides a safe, controlled environment to help you achieve your personal goals, and improve your quality of life and sense of wellbeing.
Exercise Guidelines and Recommendations
The Clinical Oncology Society of Australia (COSA) released a position statement in May 2018 which recommends:
- All people diagnosed with cancer should avoid INACTIVITY
- Exercise should be standard practice in cancer care as a therapy to counteract the adverse side effects of cancer treatments
- Referral to an accredited exercise physiologist or physiotherapist with experience in cancer care to provide guidance on a suitable exercise program that incorporates
- Progressing towards, and then maintaining at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic exercise weekly (such as walking, cycling, swimming) AND
- Two to three resistance-based exercise sessions each week (such as Clinical Pilates, weight exercises at home or the gym).
Exercise programs should be tailored to the individual’s abilities, needs and with consideration to the type of Cancer and treatment side effects. Your Physiotherapist will work closely with other medical professionals involved in your care, minimise the risk of complications and maximise benefits.
Clinical Pilates & Classes
Flex Physio and Pilates offers 40+ Clinical Pilates classes per week which can be very beneficial for Cancer rehabilitation. Your physiotherapist will develop an individualised program for you to use within a class or 1:1 with your physiotherapist. Clinical Pilates is a low impact, dynamic method of exercise focussing on breathing, control, strength, balance and core stability. Pilates is suitable for people of all ages, fitness levels, body types and stages of cancer treatment.
Let our Flex Cancer Rehabilitation Physio’s help guide you through
the difficult pathway of Cancer treatment and survivorship and help you
maximise your quality of life and physical function.