How Physiotherapy Fights the Symptoms of Mesothelioma

PhysiowinnipegHealth and WellnessLeave a Comment

Did you know that physiotherapy fights some of the symptoms of mesothelioma? Specifically, it treats the fatigue and physical pain caused by this form of cancer. The malaise and pain caused by mesothelioma can be overwhelming and limiting. Many patients struggling with these symptoms are finding that physiotherapy increases their energy levels and reduces their need for painkillers.

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is cancer of the mesothelium, which lines and protects the majority of one’s internal organs. This rather rare type of cancer is usually caused by asbestos exposure. Typically, mesothelioma first begins to affect the lining of the chest or abdomen. Mesothelioma patients experience a variety of symptoms including anemia, fever, bowel obstruction, weight loss, and pain/swelling in the abdomen. Read more about mesothelioma here.

How Physiotherapy Fights the Symptoms of Mesothelioma

There is no cure for mesothelioma, but certain treatments can make patients more comfortable and maximize their quality of life. One such treatment is physiotherapy.

According to the Canadian Physiotherapy Association, physiotherapy fights the symptoms of mesothelioma, particularly fatigue and pain. An article published by the CPA said, “(Physiotherapists) can help (mesothelioma) patients experience less pain, rely less on painkillers, reduce fatigue, boost mood, and enjoy a better quality of life.” Physiotherapy has these effects because it requires patients to become more physically active.

The article Mesothelioma patients who are in pain and are feeling tired: physio can help says, “Being active is often the farthest thing from a cancer patient’s mind. Moving may be difficult, fatigue is usually an issue, as is pain when moving. However, physical activity improves outcomes for cancer patients. A physiotherapist will work with each patient’s limitations and abilities to best improve overall outcomes for cancer patients. Studies have shown that post-diagnosis physical activity reduces mortality in cancer patients as well as recurrence of the disease.”

Physiotherapy is also used to minimize the side effects of mesothelioma treatments. Mesothelioma.net’s article Physical Therapy for Mesothelioma states, “Researchers have found that being physically active with the guidance of a physical therapist can help cancer patients experience minimized side effects from treatment, particularly pain.”

Clearly, physiotherapy offers a host of benefits to mesothelioma patients.

3 Things Cancer Patients Should Know About Physiotherapy

Is this the first time you’ve heard that physiotherapy can be used to treat the symptoms of mesothelioma? If so, here are a few facts about physiotherapy that you might find helpful:

  • Physiotherapists work with different types of cancer patients.
  • Physiotherapy is a drug-free therapy. Although some patients take pain-relieving drugs in conjunction with PT, physiotherapy itself is drug-free.
  • A physiotherapist is excellent at working with fellow healthcare practitioners. Physiotherapists who treat cancer patients will do so in conjunction with oncologists and other doctors.

If you live near Winnipeg and want to connect with a physiotherapist to learn more about physiotherapy and mesothelioma, don’t hesitate to contact Elite Sports Injury Physiotherapy Clinics.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *