After cancer treatment, it can be difficult to figure out what to do next. Your life may have stalled while you were undergoing treatment, and now that it’s over, you’re ready to go back to normal. You might feel like you’re finally moving past your cancer experience and putting bad days behind you. In reality, this is a critical time in your life. You’ll need to find ways to manage the side effects of cancer treatment, which could have lasting consequences on your health. Starting a recovery program right away after finishing cancer treatment will benefit you in the long run. Here are some key pointers.
What are some things fitness professionals need to remember when training a client recovering from cancer?
Even though everything stays the same with a new client, remember that all rules apply. Cancer patients’ adaptations are often identical, sometimes even better, due to their emotional and psychological involvement. My patients work harder, come more frequently, and are more committed to their fitness regime because they feel the need for fitness is more acute than the average person walking into a gym or studio. Many cancer patients believe they have a “second chance” to do things right and live their lives differently, and they will not let negativity or laziness keep them down.
Side Effects of Treatment
Fitness professionals should be aware of treatment’s side effects and some common complications from common surgeries, particularly those affecting the major joints and muscles. My client had to have a mastectomy, a pectoral resection, a latissimus muscle resection (split to form a half latissimus muscle), multiple skin grafts, surgeries, and more. She had considerable limitations in shoulder mobility and strength when I worked with her for the first time. After two months of hard work and suffering, she could lift her arm over her head. She was able to perform bodyweight chin-ups after two months of dedication and hardship. In addition, she has a young family and a busy life.
Some would say that fitness professionals should not be training clients recovering from cancer. What do you think about that?
More than 30% of the population will develop cancer during their lifetime, and working with this population is not insane. Working out with the medical profession’s express permission is required before working with patients. Working out is becoming increasingly important to improve cancer therapy outcomes and patient quality of life in the medical profession. I have worked with over 50 cancer patients. Working with more than 100 cancer patients during my research work at university, many of whom were diagnosed with cancer while training with me, that exercise affects cancer at various stages. Sure, there is a grey area here, but this is where a solution like this comes in and fills the hole. This is probably less risky. Patients are often highly motivated to exercise, which is why there is less danger in working with them.
Exercise can help you manage the side effects of cancer treatment and increase your overall health and well-being. It is important to create an exercise program that is tailored to your needs. There are many helpful exercises that you can incorporate into your cancer recovery exercise program. Exercise can help you manage the side effects of cancer treatment and increase your overall health and well-being.
Rick Kaselj, MS
