Exercise rehabilitation can play a crucial part in the battle against cancer. It is believed that carefully prescribed exercise can have many benefits for the cancer patient - it has been shown to potentially increase the effectiveness of chemotherapy, reducing the side-effects of chemotherapy, and to accelerate the return to a healthy lifestyle once cancer treatment is completed.
Becca Van Klinken, senior physiotherapist here at Onebody Chiswick, is a qualified cancer rehab therapist with Pinc&Steel. Here she presents her insight into the importance of exercise in cancer care.
"They say laughter is the best medicine, and we agree it certainly does help, but recent studies have proven that exercise really is the best medicine -- especially in the fight against cancer.
Local PINC Cancer Rehab Physiotherapist Becca van Klinken, knows this to be true, as she helps women diagnosed with cancer to improve their quality of life and assist recovery through individualised exercise rehab programs.
Becca, who has worked as a Physiotherapist since 2001, said she draws on her lifelong love of sport, health and fitness to help her patients return to doing the things they love best following their cancer treatment.
“As a Certified Pinc & Steel Cancer Rehab Physio, my role is to help people regain and maintain movement, strength, and endurance before, during and after cancer treatment, enabling them to return to regular activities as soon as possible,” says Becca.
In 2018, the Clinical Oncology Society of Australia (COSA) advocated for ‘exercise to be standard practice in cancer care and viewed as an adjuvant therapy to counteract the adverse effects of cancer and its treatments.’
COSA also recommends individual patient safety should be assessed by a health professional with knowledge of cancer, prior to exercise commencement.
Founder & Director, Pinc & Steel International, Lou James, says medical treatment may save lives, but cancer rehabilitation gives people their life back.
“It is common for people to reduce their level of physical activity after a cancer diagnosis, and getting the appropriate support and encouragement from a cancer rehabilitation therapist during and after treatment is essential to help you return to doing the things you love,’’ says Lou.
Becca says the role of a Cancer Rehab Therapist is to understand the needs of each individual patient, offer a safe rehabilitation environment and help patients understand what they can do, instead of being frustrated by what they can’t.
“Showing someone what they can do gives them confidence and hope they can return to their normal daily activities. I’ve also seen women become stronger during and after their treatment than when they were first diagnosed,” adds Becca. “This is why I love what I do and know that exercise really is the best medicine.”
If you or your loved ones are facing the challenge of a Cancer diagnosis, and would like to explore the role of exercise in your treatment, please do get in touch with us at Onebody Clinic -
info@onebodyclinic.co.uk,
T. 0207 018 3980