Do You Feel Tired all the time? or it becoming severe?
Are You Getting More Tired Than Usual during or After An Activity?
Do You Feel that You’re too tired to do the things you normally do?
Do Your Arms and Legs Feel Heavy and Hard To Move?
Do You feel sad, depressed, or irritable?
Any of those symptoms familiar? If Yes, then you must Talk to your Cancer Care Team or your Physiotherapist about these Signs and symptoms as this might be Cancer-Related Fatigue (CRF). The fatigue that comes with cancer, is different from the fatigue of daily life.
FATIGUE means having less energy to do the things you need or want to do. Everyday, normal fatigue usually doesn’t last long. It often gets better when you rest. Cancer-related fatigue is worse and it causes more distress. Approximately 80 to 100% of people with cancer report that they experience cancer-related fatigue during and after chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
It’s not the tired feeling people remember having before they had cancer. People describe it as feeling weak, listless, drained, or “washed out.” Some may feel too tired to eat, walk to the bathroom, or even use the TV remote. It can be hard to think, as well as move your body. Rest does not make it go away, and just a little activity can be exhausting. For some people, this kind of fatigue causes more distress than pain, nausea, vomiting, or depression.
Cancer-related fatigue is worse than everyday fatigue. It lasts longer and sleep doesn’t make it better: It’s Common & yet unpredictable. People describe it as overwhelming, affecting every part of their lives.
HOW CAN PHYSIOTHERAPY HELP?
Researchers have shown that Physical Activity such as Supervised exercises (eg, aerobic, resistance and stretching exercise) reduces cancer-related fatigue. Further, findings suggested that combined aerobic and resistance exercise regimens with or without stretching should be included as part of rehabilitation programs for people who have been diagnosed with cancer.
- Physical activity has been proposed as an effective non-pharmacologic intervention to promote psychological well-being during and following cancer treatment.
- Physical activity also improves Muscle Strength and Body composition in people with cancer.
- The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) also recommends Yoga for treatment of Cancer-related Fatigue (CRF) in patients on active cancer treatment and for those who have completed Treatment. (category 1).
- Overall, research suggests that aerobic exercise, resistance training, a combination of both, and mindfulness forms of exercise such as yoga and Tai Chi Chuan are effective in helping cancer patients cope with their disease, improve recovery, and increase overall QOL.
- A comprehensive Physiotherapy evaluation and Assessment
- An individualized exercise program based on your specific needs
- An 8 to 12-week program, meeting 2-3 times weekly
- Completely PT supervised
- A program may run in concurrent with other Cancer Therapy treatments.
It is recommended that you are medically cleared by your physician. If your physician feels that you are ready to start exercise, the Cancer-Related Fatigue Program at Beyond Wellness can help you to improve your Quality of Life (QOL).
Any of those sound familiar?
If any of these have happened to you - we would love to help you by inviting you to request a call to talk to us and find out what can be done to help you. Click the link below to book a call with us if you would like to get some solid advice given to you over the phone. The phone call is free and there is no obligation to book any appointments with us after the call is over. Our goal is to help you make the right decision about what to do next for the best.