cancer rehabilitation

Issues: 1) weakness/fatigue 2) pain 3) mobility 4) self care 5) dysphagia 6) cognitive impairment 7) lymphedema Rehabilitation settings: 1) during primary oncologic treatment 2) during outpatient status 3) intensive inpatient rehabilitation a) comparable functional gains to non-cancer patients b) higher interruption of rehabilitation care 4) poor prognosis not exclusionary Bony metastatic disease 1) keep high suspicion 2) if unstable lesion is suspected a) non weight-bearing b) plain radiographs c) surgical consult d) appropriate body mechanics e) bracing for the spine Special considerations -> thrombocytopenia (platelet count) 1) < 10,000/mm3: no exercise or active physical therapy 2) 10,000-20,000/mm3 a) no resistance training b) aerobic exercise ok 3) > 30,000: exercise not restricted

References

Genova, A, UCLA Intensive Course in Geriatric Medicine & Board Review, Marina Del Ray, CA, Sept 12-15, 2001