Mesothelioma treatment varies depending on the patient’s health and particular aspects of their cancer, including its stage and location.
Unfortunately, mesothelioma is typically an aggressive cancer condition. Moreover, for most individuals, a cure is non-viable.
Mesothelioma also has a very long latency period or the stage between initial asbestos exposure and cancer development. This factor may make cancer removal through surgery less likely to be successful.
However, if you have mesothelioma, physicians can help improve your quality of life (QoL) by addressing your symptoms.
You also need to get more info from MesotheliomaGroup to help you manage your condition better. Such a support group can assist you in choosing the most suitable treatment option.
One treatment procedure that can be integral to your treatment is physiotherapy.
Maybe you are wondering. How can physiotherapy be a crucial part of mesothelioma treatment? What are the possible ways physiotherapy can address mesothelioma? When can patients undergo physiotherapy? How effective is physiotherapy in treating mesothelioma?
This article discusses the significance and effectiveness of physiotherapy in treating mesothelioma.
Read on to get an overview of physiotherapy — what it is, how it works, and who administers it.
Physiotherapy: Its Importance in Treating Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma symptoms and the side effects of specific treatments can significantly adversely impact the patient’s quality of life.
Physiotherapy may not be able to eliminate cancer or prevent its relapse. However, the procedure can be vital for treating distressing symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, and pain.
For instance, a study from SpringerLink’s Caring for Patients with Mesothelioma: Principles and Guidelines listed chest physiotherapy as essential postoperative care for mesothelioma patients.
Specific physiotherapy approaches may include:
- Providing education and advice
- Recommending exercises
- Performing manual therapies
Moreover, physical activity can help improve outcomes for cancer patients. Specialists can work with each patient’s limitations and abilities to improve their quality of life.
For instance, studies show that post-diagnosis physical activity may help lower cancer risk, development, and mortality.
Furthermore, physicians can also use physiotherapy to manage the side effects of mesothelioma treatments, including shortness of breath.
For example, a study showed that non-pharmacological (not drug-based) breathlessness management programs might help benefit people with lung mesothelioma.
The information above indicates that physiotherapy may help alleviate several mesothelioma-related symptoms.
How Physiotherapy Can Help
Doctors typically encourage mesothelioma patients to make lifestyle changes or undergo rehabilitation programs to recover after treatment.
Physiotherapy can be a crucial aspect of a holistic approach to treating patients with cancer.
You may still undergo specific physical therapy even if you have already experienced surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy.
You may participate in physiotherapy programs because your body needs the strength to respond successfully to various treatment options. Some of these procedures may be exhausting and will require you to be able to endure and regain your strength.
The following list specifies the different ways physiotherapy may help address mesothelioma symptoms:
- Shortness of breath
Chest physiotherapy, such as breathing techniques and airway clearance procedures, may help improve patients’ breathing difficulties and coughing.
- Postoperation difficulties
Some mesothelioma stages may require patients to undergo surgery. This procedure may cause them to have significant difficulties in moving.
Physiotherapy may help improve patients’ endurance and encourage them to engage in physical activities.
Physical rehabilitation programs may also help improve the psychological well-being of individuals with mesothelioma.
Performing physical activities is often challenging for mesothelioma patients due to pain and fatigue.
However, patients may be able to train their bodies with the guidance of certified physiotherapists. These professionals may suggest stretching, strength training, and aerobic exercises depending on your health.
Those exercises may help patients improve physical health, help manage pain, and promote psychological well-being.
- Fatigue
Fatigue is a significant issue for most cancer patients. Patients often respond to this symptom by getting a lot of rest or sleep.
However, studies have also shown that specific exercises can help cancer patients combat fatigue.
Some physicians may apply the National Comprehensive Cancer Networks’ fatigue practice guidelines before recommending patients undergo a physical rehabilitation program.
Doctors may also suggest combining treatment procedures to help patients live as comfortably as possible. However, each mesothelioma case is different and may require variations of these programs.
In some cases, physicians strongly encourage patients to have a disciplined diet because their bodies need a lot of nourishment.
Additional Information
Is this the first time you have heard about physiotherapy’s potential benefits in treating mesothelioma symptoms? If so, you may find the following information regarding physiotherapy helpful:
- Physiotherapists work with various types of cancer patients. These professionals may have specialized in different types of cancer.
- Physiotherapy is a non-pharmacological (drug-free) treatment. However, some patients may take pain-relieving medications while undergoing physical therapy.
- A physiotherapist typically works with other healthcare practitioners. Physiotherapists who treat individuals with cancer may ask the expert advice of oncologists (doctors specializing in treating cancer) before performing treatment procedures.
References
1. Mesothelioma
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mesothelioma/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20375028
2. Mesothelioma and Physical Therapy
https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-319-96244-3_10
3. Techniques: Physiotherapy
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/physiotherapy/how-it-works/
4. Physical Activity and Cancer
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3490043/
5. Individual experiences and impacts of a physiotherapist-led, non-pharmacological breathlessness programme for patients with intrathoracic malignancy: a qualitative study
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23128902/
6. Tailored exercise interventions to reduce fatigue in cancer survivors: study protocol of a randomized controlled trial
https://bmccancer.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12885-018-4668-z
