Pain 

Patients with cancer may experience pain due to a number of causes. Pain is subjective and individual to each person. It can be influenced by many factors both physical, emotional and psychological.

Science is beginning to help us better understand pain and its impact on the individual, but we still have a long way to go.

For people with cancer,  pain can be a result of:

(i)   Impingement or invasion of pain sensitive structures such  as nerves:

(ii)  Treatment that may effect the nervous system;

(iii) Changes on other parts of the body that result from cancer;

(iv) Acute or chronic conditions unrelated to cancer.

Due to the complexity of cancer pain there are many treatments to offer. Many of these are medication and consulting your doctor for advice should be the first route to go. However, there are non-pharmacological (non-drug) treatments that have been found helpful by clients with cancer.  Acupuncture, TENS, positioning and exercise are examples of techniques that can all be used in conjunction with medication to help maintain health as much as possible.

Loss of Function 

Cancer patients can find that their functional abilities (for example, ability to move, work, and care for themselves or their family) are affected. Physiotherapy programs can be helpful to maintain the body’s ability to function and to adapt to a changing physical status. Energy conservation techniques, exercise, environmental changes, and positioning are examples of some of the ways that physiotherapy can help.

Fatigue

What is fatigue? 

Cancer-related fatigue has been described by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) as a “persistent, subjective sense of tiredness related to cancer or cancer treatment that interferes with normal functioning”.

What can I do to relieve my fatigue?

Fatigue feels as though our bodies are telling us to rest. However, many sufferers of fatigue never feel refreshed after rest and too much rest can compound the feeling of tiredness. Until recently medical advice for patients with cancer has been to obtain additional rest and avoid physical exertion. However, recent studies have shown that clients are better served by maintaining activity and exercise in moderation. “A little and often” is the best maxim.

Developing a program of functional activities and exercise to relieve these symptoms can help improve the quality of life for patients with cancer.

Breathlessness

Breathlessness is a relatively common symptom for patients with cancer and can be difficult to treat. It is a complex sensation which can restrict the function of the person affected and limit their quality of life.  Physiotherapy techniques such as breathing exercises, acupuncture and relaxation techniques can be used to help alleviate these symptoms.

Lymphodema

Edema is a symptom that some patients with cancer may experience. Due to an imbalance in the fluid regulating system of the body, fluid collects in the affected part. This results in local swelling. There are several types of edema relating to different pathologies. Lymphedema is a term used to describe swelling due to fluid in the tissue as a result of an inadequate removal of lymph.

Vodder’s Manual Lymphatic Drainage techniques are well recognised therapies which can help control this symptom.  For more information see www.vodderschool.com