The answer to this question is yes, no, or know. Properly prescribed exercises can be very helpful for a cancer patient in many ways, but there are several exercises that can be harmful for certain cancer patients. Knowing who to turn to for guidance is the key to cancer wellness.

Most fitness experts have not been trained to work with various cancer survivors. Fitness instructors generally mean well in prescribing exercises for their clients, but without proper training and knowledge, the exercises they recommend could cause lymphedema, dehydration, more fatigue, infections, bone damage, nutritional deficiencies, and more. . Many cancer patients are prone to lymphedema. Stage 3 lymphedema, also called elephantiasis, is irreversible and the affected limb becomes hard and swollen. Most exercise classes and personal trainers have clients do repetitive lifting and / or heavy weight training, both of which can cause lymphedema in various types of cancer patients.

Physical evaluations before starting an exercise program are also very important. Flexibility limitations should be tested with a goniometer. Flexibility issues should always be addressed before starting a strength program. Many breast cancer patients and others have range of motion problems and their exercise prescription should include flexibility exercises.

Treatment of various cancers and how the body responds to cancer and treatment varies greatly. An example of this would be if a client had stomach cancer and had early or late emptying syndrome. Clients with late dumping syndrome should exercise immediately after eating, and the fitness instructor should be on the lookout for excessive sweating or shaking. If the client has early dumping syndrome, they should eat several hours before exercising, and the fitness instructor should monitor the heart for irregular heartbeats and watch for dizziness and shortness of breath.

Proper exercise for cancer patients can actually help reduce pain and fatigue, increase range of motion, and prevent lymphedema. Exercise can also increase tolerance to treatment, prevent and / or control: osteoporosis, diabetes, and damage to the heart and lungs. The prescribed exercises should depend on the type of cancer, the operating procedure, the treatment, the doctor’s authorization, and the evaluation by the cancer exercise specialist. Various forms of yoga, Pilates, weight training, and cardiovascular exercise are often recommended to the client. Many beneficial exercises can be performed in bed or sitting for the client who is not ready to stand up.

Not all cancers are the same, and the treatment, side effects, and complications are very different. A Cancer Exercise Specialist (CES) will learn about exercise contraindications for 25 types of cancer, surgery, reconstruction, and treatments. The cancer exercise specialist will have been trained to prevent and identify lymphedema, avoid injury, and maximize the benefits of exercise. To find a cancer exercise specialist in your area, visit http://thecancerspecialist.com/.