The physical therapy team assists patients in regaining range of motion, reducing lymphedema and developing an exercise plan. Vail Health Howard Head Sports Medicine has teamed up with the physicians at Shaw Cancer Center to provide an integrative physical therapy approach to treating patients during treatment and recovery. Recent research has demonstrated that patients who remain physically active while undergoing cancer treatment have fewer negative side effects during radiation therapy and chemotherapy. In order to return to an active lifestyle or to develop an exercise regimen, it is important for patients to recover fully from surgery and other treatments.
At our advanced oncology facility, exercise goals are established based on each individual's diagnosis and treatment plan.
PHYSICAL THERAPY GOALS
In order to begin or return to an active lifestyle, it is important for patients to recover fully from surgery and other treatments. Physical therapy assists patients in regaining range of motion, reducing lymphedema and developing an exercise plan. Shaw collaborates with physical therapists at Howard Head Sports Medicine to provide an integrative physical therapy approach assisting patients during treatment and recovery. At our advanced oncology facility, exercise goals are established based on each individual's diagnosis and treatment plan.
These therapy goals typically include:
- Improving range of motion after surgery
- Generalized strengthening
- Core strengthening
- Lymphedema education
- Improving cardiovascular function
- Decreasing pain
NUTRITION & EXERCISE PROGRAMS
Shaw also offers personal nutrition and fitness programs for patients and cancer survivors. With the guidance of our specialists, a customized, comprehensive nutrition and exercise plan is created for each patient to combat the negative side effects of cancer and treatment.
Goals of the program typically involve:
- Decreasing fatigue
- Increasing energy
- Weight loss
- Improved self-esteem
- Increased muscle mass
- Increased aerobic endurance