[1] Additionally, cancer rehabilitation physicians work on identifying musculoskeletal and neurologic problems and treat them with a variety of treatments including medications, procedures and therapy.
Therapeutic exercises include those guided by physical, occupational and speech therapists to work on specific motor or cognitive impairments as well as difficulties performing activities of daily living (ADLs) (dressing, bathing, toileting etc.)
[2] However, patient-driven general exercise to maintain or improve endurance and overall functional status is also an important component of the rehabilitation process.
[3] Several clinical articles have highlighted the effectiveness of rehabilitation interventions before, during, and after cancer treatment to screen for, assess, and treat patients’ functional needs.
[3][4] Other potential members of the cancer rehabilitation team include, but are not limited to, physical and occupational therapists, speech language pathologists, nurses, exercise physiologists, oncology social workers, case managers and psychologists.
Recent clinical studies have shown that cancer prehabilitation and rehabilitation can increase function and may improve outcomes and disability rates.