Everyone has, at some point in their lives, experienced fatigue. With today's busy families and dual career couples, there seems to be an epidemic of it. However when cancer patients report fatigue, they are referring to exhaustion of a completely different magnitude. Researchers have not yet pinpointed the cause of cancer-related fatigue, but when it strikes it can be a debilitating side effect of illness and treatment.

While the exact underlying cause of fatigue in cancer remains unknown, there is growing evidence that exercise may be an effective way to fight it.

A carefully supervised and individually designed physical therapy program not only helps cancer patients overcome fatigue, but it also addresses issues of balance, mobility, range of motion, and strength - all areas that can be impaired during cancer treatment.

"Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation can make patients feel nauseous, which can lead to dehydration," noted Donna Grant, PT, Director of the Aboff Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Center at Huntington Hospital. "When people are not getting around as well because they do not feel well, or because they are recovering from surgery, these issues can lead to secondary problems related to immobility."

Immobility affects both muscles and joints, according to Ms. Grant. Contracture is a common problem following surgery. This is where tendons shorten, reducing the range of motion in a joint.

"Joints become stiff, and less lubricated," Ms. Grant said. This situation can become a textbook case of "use it or lose it." "For every one day that you don't do an activity, it takes your body two days to regain the strength necessary to perform."

Gait and balance may begin to deteriorate the less patients move around. Nutritional deficits can lead to muscle weakness. Pain may also contribute to immobility. Yet Ms. Grant maintains that physical therapy can have a positive impact in all of these areas.

"We design an individualized therapy program that is within the range of
activity that patients can tolerate," she noted. Physical activity can stimulate
the production of endorphins, hormones that elevate mood and lessen pain. "When muscles become stronger, they work more efficiently and demand less energy, which ultimately improves fatigue."

Deirdre Ingram, PT, CLT, is one of two certified lymphedema therapists who staff the department.

The individualized program includes a focus on assistive devices and techniques that can aid patients in their homes.

"We teach patients proper body mechanics and techniques to help them conserve energy and improve their quality of life," Ms. Grant explained.

The Department is unlike other free standing physical therapy centers in that it is staffed exclusively by licensed physical therapists and physical therapy assistants, not aides. This means that every hands-on caregiver is a licensed professional. Its location within the hospital provides a measure of safety for patients who may have underlying medical complications. To further ensure safety and convenience, there is a gated private parking area reserved for Physical Therapy patients.

While traditional physical therapy techniques can benefit many cancer patients, the Department is also staffed by two therapists who have specialty certification to treat lymphedema patients. Lymphedema is characterized by severe limb swelling and may be caused by lymph node removal as part of cancer surgery. In addition to the swelling and discomfort, lymphedema carries the risk of infection. It occurs because the lymphatic system has been damaged and fluid can no longer adequately drain from the limb.

Certified lymphedema therapists have been specially trained to use a combination of techniques, including limb wrapping, special compression bandages, and light massage to help drain the fluid. Treatment has been shown to dramatically reduce limb size and prevent infections and other complications related to lymphedema.

The Department works with most major insurance carriers, as well as Medicare and Medicaid. For additional information or to schedule an appointment, please call (631) 351-2274.

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