Wellness One offers a program for cancer patients experiencing the side-effects from cancer treatment so you can feel better and be better!
Who: Cancer patients during or after any aspect of their treatment who may be experiencing:
- fatigue
- muscle weakness
- deconditioning
- decrease in mental alertness
- balance or vestibular problems
- lymphedema
- undesirable weight gain
What: A comprehensive program of medically-based exercise and physical and occupational therapy developed for each patient by a board certified therapist with advanced training in oncology rehabilitation.
When: It is never too early or late to start. Many of our patients start right after surgery, before or during chemotherapy or radiation therapy or after completing cancer treatment.
Where: Oncology Rehabilitation services are offered at our Blue Ridge Office, or at our Cancer Centers of North Carolina Office on Macon Pond Road.
Treatment: Based on an individualized treatment plan designed to meet your goals including:
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improved blood cell count
decreased lymphedema
decreased nausea
decreased pain
decreased fatigue
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improved muscule strength
increased muscule mass
improved endurance
improved stamina
improved balance
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What is Cancer Fatigue?
Everyone has, at some point in their lives, experienced fatigue. However when cancer patients report fatigue, they are referring to exhaustion of a completely different magnitude. Researchers have not entirely pinpointed the cause of cancer-related fatigue, but when it strikes it can be a debilitating side effect of illness AND treatment.
Wellness One offers a comprehensive program for cancer patients during and after cancer treatment to reduce fatigue and improve function. A carefully supervised and individually designed therapy program not only helps cancer patients overcome fatigue, but it also addresses issues of balance, mobility, range of motion, and strength - all areas that can be impaired during cancer treatment.
The goal of physical therapy is to maximize the patients' level of independence and function within the limits of their disability or illness. As a result of the various treatments including surgery, radiation and chemotherapy, it is common for persons with cancer to experience weakness, fatigue, pain, immobility, and reduced flexibility.
Fatigue is a problem found in many cancer patients. This can affect the patient's ability to function both mentally and physically, due to lack of energy. Fatigue can be the result of a variety of factors including the effects of cancer treatment, inactivity, depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances.
Cancer rehabilitation requires a team-approach. Specially trained physical and occupational therapists work closely with oncology physicians to play an important role in the rehabilitation process. This means that every hands-on caregiver is a licensed professional who has the education, training and experience to treat patients with cancer and related medical complications with a measure of safety.
Physical therapy and carefully supervised exercise helps cancer patients increase their energy level, as well as improve their functional ability, their sense of well-being and their overall quality of life.
