9
Nov
2023
Embracing the Power of Rehabilitation: Physical Therapy
Ever since I read a research paper about utilizing physical therapy for cancer patients, I couldn't shake off the idea from my head. It's been a few years now, but here I am, sharing with you what that piece of information sparked in my mind. A notion that physical therapy isn't just for restoring function after a hip replacement or recovering from a sports injury, but it's a mighty tool in a cancer patient's endowment—particularly, those dealing with Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC). Now, don't roll your eyes at me just yet. Let me tell you why.
Demystifying Renal Cell Carcinoma: Understanding the Enemy
Before we emplane on the discussion about the magic of physiotherapy, let's take a pause to understand what Renal Cell Carcinoma is. If my wife, Eliza, were here, she'd witness you all showing me the thumbs-ups and nodding affirmatively as she does. RCC is a form of kidney cancer that usually initiates in the lining of the small tubes in the kidney. It can occur at any age, although it's most common in those over 60. I remember when my good ol' friend, Bob decided to take a random health check-up at 65, not suspecting anything, and bam! He was diagnosed with RCC. It was a hard pill to swallow, not just for Bob, but for all of us. See, RCC is sneaky that way, often not causing noticeable symptoms until it's progressed quite a bit.
Getting Up and About: Why Physical Therapy?
Why indeed, was my first question? As inquisitive as my kids, Darcy and Otis always are, it took me all of my willpower not to simply mutter a 'just because' to them. So, I did what I always do: research, and quite a few interesting facts popped up. First, RCC, like many other forms of cancer, can decrease muscle strength, flexibility, and overall stamina. And since we're talking about an advanced stage, we also have to consider the effects of the treatments themselves. Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, targeted therapy, they all take a toll on the body, a very physical toll. If a patient can strengthen their body before, during, and after this gruelling process, wouldn't it improve their quality of life, and dare I say, their chances of survival? That's where physical therapy comes in.
The Big Four: Major Benefits of Physical Therapy for RCC Patients
Natural sceptics that we humans are, I'm going to reassure you with some well-researched and undeniable benefits of physical therapy. Kaboom! Here they come. One - it can reduce pain and discomfort. When you're in constant pain, even a small decline can improve your quality of life significantly. Two, and this one is my favourite, it can improve your mood. I swear by this one, personally! Remember those endorphins that made Elle Woods believe in exercise? They're real, buddy! Three, it can help regain mobility and independence. Freedom to do the simplest things like making a toast or dancing to The Wiggles (my kids' favourite band) can make a world of a difference, trust me. And finally, four - it can help manage other effects such as lymphedema (swelling caused by damaged lymphatic system) and peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage). Just like how my well-timed jokes manage to simmer down Eliza's tension, these exercises can work wonders!
Getting Started With Physical Therapy: The Best Approach
Alright, now that I've got you all warmed up, let me throw in a few tips on how to introduce physical therapy into the life of an RCC patient. First, always remember that every patient's needs and abilities can vary greatly. So, what works for one may not work for the other. Start by having an open discussion with a healthcare team. Ask them about recommending a physiotherapist, someone who specializes in working with cancer patients. Once you have a physiotherapist on board, they'll work to develop a customized plan that caters to the needs, capabilities, and goals of the patient. This plan will be constantly reviewed and adapted as treatments and conditions change, so it's important to have regular communication with your physiotherapist.
So there you have it, folks. A plan so comprehensive, even my fusspot of a daughter, Darcy, would be proud of. From understanding what Renal Cell Carcinoma is, to why and how physical therapy helps, I hope this blog enlightens you about the tools we can use to aid our body in its fight. Like my son Otis once said, “Dad, sometimes, it's not just about having the right Pokemons, but also about how well you train them.” And he couldn't have been more right! So, go on, train your body, exercise it, and (metaphorically speaking) make yourself an unbeatable Pokemon!
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