Mention the word physiotherapy and the first thing that pops to mind tends to be treating injuries and physical problems.

 

While the profession is traditionally linked with rehabilitation following a serious bone break or ruptured tendons, it can also play a part when treating potentially life threatening illnesses. Both physiotherapy and occupational therapy have been highlighted with assisting people who have had a stroke. The treatment aims to get them back to normality and help them to regain a sense of independence.

 

These two practices can be extended to one of the biggest killers in the UK - cancer. While it still remains a major threat to life more people are surviving cancer and this is where physiotherapy can aid the recovery process. The practice can play a major part in a person's treatment especially when they have been given the good news that they are in the clear. When this message is delivered it is important that people keep up a good exercise regime so they stay in the best possible shape.

 

Claire Lait is a physiotherapist specialising in treating cancer patients and believes that while surviving cancer is an achievement in itself, patients should be looking to thrive after being given the all clear. Ms Lait, who has recently opened a practice in Cheltenham, explained that cancer treatment can cause muscular problems so an effective course of physiotherapy will ensure that they can overcome these issues.

 

The battle against cancer can be a taxing one and take a major toll on the body. Ms Lait explains that processes such as radiotherapy can lead to mobility issues. For example, patients that have both surgery and radiotherapy to combat breast cancer can incur shoulder problems which, in some cases, can be quite painful. It is therefore important that people have the right support at hand to treat their condition. 

 

Speaking to the Gloucestershire Echo, Ms Lait said: "Exercise and physiotherapy can help with all sorts of problems after cancer. Women who can't reach up to cupboards is a classic because of shoulder problems after breast cancer, but physio can also help with incontinence after colorectal or prostate cancer, or even help with lung and kidney problems."

 

The physiotherapist provides physical manipulations and suggest programmes of exercise that will benefit the long term goals of the patient. While overcoming cancer may be seen as the end of the road, Ms Lait believes that an effective physiotherapy regime will ensure that people are living to their fullest. It is especially important that people that advantage of their new lease of life that has been afforded since beating cancer.

 

Cancer still remains one of the biggest killer with only heart disease and stroke claiming more lives every year. However, as treatments continue to advance people are standing a better chance than ever before. Both awareness and support are much improved  and with treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy people are able to have a much more positive outlook after being diagnosed with the disease.

 

By Alex Franklin Stortford

Justpysio