Cancer touches the lives of an increasing number of Australians each year. A cancer diagnosis is a life-changing event for the patient and their family and friends. Advancements in medical treatments mean that the number of cancer survivors is also increasing, and quality survivorship care is becoming a focus of attention for healthcare professionals worldwide.
At Leap Health, we are conscious of providing the highest standard of care possible to all our patients. As health professionals, we keep a close eye on advancements in healthcare treatment. As part of cancer treatment, rehabilitation is proven to be an extremely important part of cancer care.
We are pleased to share that we now provide specialised physiotherapy rehabilitation to women facing cancer. Our physiotherapist, Amy Boadle, is a registered PINC physiotherapist, operating from our centres at Kingston and Huonville.
What is PINC?
PINC is a cancer rehabilitation program delivered by specialist physiotherapists across the country to help patients throughout their cancer treatment; pre and post-operatively, during chemotherapy or radiations treatment, survivorship and palliative care. Cancer rehabilitation is a low cost, high impact action that assists in improving patient’s quality of life.
There is now overwhelming evidence confirming the benefit of physical activity for those with cancer, yet 60-80% of survivors do not meet the exercise guidelines of at least 150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per week. PINC physiotherapists are familiar with potential contraindications and safety issues, helping and guiding survivors to become more active.
Each person’s journey is unique, and one-on-one physiotherapy can be a wonderful support and relationship to empower people to maximise their health.
How a PINC Physiotherapist can help:
Our PINC physiotherapist, Amy, assesses each patient individually, aiming to address common barriers associated with cancer treatment including:
- Joint or musculoskeletal pain
- Restricted range of movement
- Scar adhesions
- Difficulty with daily tasks
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy
- Balance and fall issues
All cancer treatments have an impact on the body. Amy will perform a physical and functional assessment and will be able to advise patients on what they can safely do to overcome some of the impacts that the treatment is having. This information will help patients regain body confidence and assist in recovery.
Throughout the treatment, Amy will continue to work closely with each patient’s primary physician and cancer specialists to ensure continuity with your healthcare team.
Amy is passionate about working with cancer patients and also increasing awareness of this form of rehab among health professionals in the Hobart region.
Recovery and Exercise Tips from PINC
- Avoid inactivity
- Get a physical and functional assessment with a cancer rehab physio
- Be proactive about doing things to decrease stress
- Prioritise exercise each week
- Listen to your body, don’t ignore symptoms
- Incorporate resistance training
- Get enough rest but seek help for fatigue
- Recognise and celebrate your wins!
For more information, or to book a consultation with Amy, please call 6229 3005 (Kingston) or 6286 0277 (Huonville) or contact us here.