Cancer and its treatment can cause debilitating side effects for patients, compromising their function and quality of life. Fortunately, research has shown that physical therapy during and after cancer treatment can help speed functional recovery, boost immune response, reduce fatigue and reduce risk of complications in people of any age.

Patients undergoing cancer treatment may experience one or more of the following side effects:

• Pain
  
• Decreased muscle strength
  
• Decreased bone density
  
• Peripheral neuropathy related to chemotherapy
  
• Fatigue
  
• Lymphedema or swelling disorders
  
• Difficulty walking
  
• Difficulty sleeping
  
• Formation of scar tissue
  
• Postural changes
  
• Muscle imbalances

In conjunction with your medical team, the physical therapist works with patients and caregivers to maximize their physical abilities and comfort levels to ensure the most effective recovery. Your cancer care physical therapist can help maximize strength and function during and after cancer treatment by addressing each of these issues through hands-on therapy, education and exercise to increase your function and independence.

• Importance of Physical Therapy During Cancer Treatment
• Individual Assessment
• About PAMF's Cancer Care Physical Therapy Specialist

Importance of Physical Therapy During Cancer Treatment

Maintaining strength during cancer treatments helps to prevent or reduce the risk of complications, such as infection, as well as to enhance quality of life. Physical therapy helps patients and their caregivers regain a sense of hope and control over their health by teaching proper and safe exercise to rebuild function, endurance, and muscle and bone strength. Even a small amount of exercise can help patients decrease side effects and provide benefits such as decreased anxiety and an increased sense of control.

Comprehensive cancer institutes throughout the United States as well as the National Cancer Care Survivorship (NCCS) endorse exercise for cancer patients. You can read more about physical therapy during cancer treatment at http://www.canceradvocacy.org.
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Individual Assessment

Your cancer care physical therapist can provide individualized physical assessment and treatment for the following:

• Weakness secondary to disease, treatment or muscle atrophy
  
• Limited flexibility/range of motion
  
• Fatigue/decreased endurance
  
• Pain management
  
• Impaired balance
  
• Decreased cardiovascular fitness/deconditioning secondary to cancer and its treatment
  
• Scar tissue management after surgery
  
• Osteoporosis/Osteopenia
  
• Peripheral neuropathy -- numbness/tingling/decreased balance or walking

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About PAMF's Cancer Care Physical Therapy Specialist

Sharon Leslie P.T., DPT, is a physical therapist specializing in cancer rehabilitation. She helps patients cope with the side effects of cancer treatment. She received both her Master of Science degree and Ph.D. in physical therapy at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, MO in 1998, where she studied with internationally renowned faculty in the field of musculoskeletal imbalance. She lectures throughout the Bay Area, helping physicians and patients gain more awareness of the importance of physical activity and rehabilitation as part of comprehensive cancer care.

"I see patients struggle with pain, musculoskeletal imbalance, deconditioning and fatigue resulting from surgery, adjuvant therapy and reconstruction," said Dr. Leslie. "My goal is to get them back to a healthy and active lifestyle, as well as potentially open them up to new possibilities to improve their health and well being through exercise and activity."

Location
Palo Alto Center
795 El Camino Real
Clark Building Level 1
Palo Alto, CA 94301
Department Phone: 650-853-3355
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