Dr. Katie Schmitt, a Doctor of Physical Therapy, clinical specialist in oncologic physical therapy and certified lymphedema therapist at MUSC Hollings Cancer Center, outlines the role of oncology physical therapy in caring for people with cancer and survivors.
Oncology physical therapy focuses on the interaction between cancer types, treatments and their side effects, with the goal of helping patients maintain or restore strength, mobility and functional independence at every stage of care.
Common issues addressed include chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (numbness and tingling in hands and feet), reduced range of motion after surgeries such as mastectomy or head and neck procedures, deconditioning after treatments like stem cell transplant, and gait or breathing-related impairments before and after lung cancer treatment.
Timing of therapy varies by situation. Patients may be seen before surgery to establish a baseline, during treatment to manage worsening function, immediately after treatment for rehabilitation, or years later to treat late-onset side effects.
Typical sessions combine manual therapy for tightness or pain, resistance training and aerobic exercise—both supported by research—and conclude with stretching to improve flexibility.
Physical therapy can reverse or reduce functional losses that were once assumed to be permanent. Examples include restoring the ability to lift an arm after breast cancer treatment or regaining energy and mobility after prostate cancer treatment. Some conditions require short-term therapy of a few months, while others, such as lymphedema, often need long-term follow-up as part of an ongoing care team.
Dr. Schmitt practices at MUSC Hollings Cancer Center in Charleston.
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