Rehabilitation Services

The department of Rehabilitation services focuses on improving quality of life and has a dedicated and dynamic team of healthcare professionals including Physiotherapists, Occupational therapists, Speech therapists, Prosthetics & orthodontists, social workers and a counselors. Services offered at Department of Rehabilitation include:

• Physiotherapy
• Occupational Therapy
• Speech Therapy
• Counseling
• Availability of various orthosis and prosthesis  
• Dietary counseling 

Role of Physiotherapy in Cancer Management

Cancer patients and survivors frequently experience considerable loss of physical capacity and general wellbeing during and immediately after cancer treatment. Their treatments often result in pain, loss of mobility and function in affected joints, or lymphedema (swelling caused by blocked lymphatic channels) etc. The rehabilitation of these patients needs to involve a holistic approach that is timely, seamless, and designed specially for each individual.

Physiotherapy is an autonomous profession concerned with the care, management and rehabilitation of the patients. Physiotherapy has a key role to play in the management of patients throughout their cancer journey from diagnosis to the end stages of the disease .The aim of the physiotherapist working with cancer patients is.‘ to minimize some of the effects which the disease or its treatment, has on them. It is often possible to improve their quality of life regardless of their prognosis by helping them to achieve their maximum potential of functional ability and independence or gain relief from distressing symptoms. Physiotherapists conduct ongoing assessment of the needs of this patient group and their care takers, in order to apply skilled interventions, which are vital for patient’s independence, functional capacity and quality of life.

People with cancer may present with a wide range of problems, including respiratory, neurological, lymphatic, orthopaedic, musculoskeletal and pain, that may benefit from physiotherapeutic intervention. The role of physiotherapy in oncologic rehabilitation includes restoring function; reducing pain; reducing disability; increasing conditioning and mobility and ultimately improving quality of life.

Interventions for people with cancer include use of:

• Positioning, movement, mechanical therapies, and electrophysical agents to relieve and control pain;
• Respiratory care: management of dyspnoea (breathlessness), removal of secretions,  nebulised drugs and oxygen management;
• Neurological rehabilitation techniques;
• Complex physical therapy (a combination of physical therapies e.g. manual lymphatic drainage, Compression bandages and garments, exercises and skin care to control lymphedema).
• Education of patient, e.g. in care of limb after surgery, in appropriate handling strategies etc.;
• Education of caretakers in appropriate handling skills
• Exercise therapy to improve flexibility, strength and function;
• Relaxation techniques to reduce levels of anxiety.