Due to advances in the medical management of cancer, survival rates are steadily improving. However, many cancer survivors will have at least one side effect of the cancer treatment. As therapists, we are committed to improving function based on evidence based tools and strategies for these survivors in order to improve their quality of life.
Understanding the sometimes predictable impairments allows therapists to proactively empower cancer survivors to maintain their own health through an individualized exercise and wellness program. Typical treatments consist of fatigue management, strengthening, aerobic conditioning, minimizing edema, and maintenance of motion due to surgical scarring as necessary.
To this end, it is also crucial for therapists to understand the typical side effects from the particular chemotherapy that was given, and to identify problems early on when they are at a less severe state.
We are pleased to announce that we are sponsoring a new continuing education (CEU) course for Physical therapists, Occupational therapists and assistants based on these principles given by Lisa VanHoose, PT, Ph.D, CLT-LANA, President of the Oncology Special Interest Group of the APTA.
Cancer Rehab and Survivorship: Evidence Based Treatment to Address Common Impairments
Please let us know what topics and content you would want to hear covered in her course and look for it in 2014!
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