The Program

The aims of this program are to provide 24-structured exercise sessions two to three times a week for two months. This is an exercise and educational treatment program for cancer patients who have been recently diagnosed, or others who have not achieved the quality of life they desire following their chemo and/or radiation treatments. Patients will be oriented to the program, supervised during exercise, receive instructions on developing increased functional ability and learn health-promoting habits (e.g. diet, stress reduction, smoking cessation). The long-term goal of the cancer rehabilitation program is to improve quality of well-being by maintaining functional ability, productivity and independence.

Patients will receive close monitoring and training. All patients will undergo cardiopulmonary diagnostic exercise testing at entry and exit from the program. This test provides information for the exercise prescription and will also contribute objective physiologic outcome data for each program participant. The individualized exercise sessions are supervised by physical therapists who are experienced in developing personalized exercise programs.

It has been reported that structured exercise programs for previously sedentary cancer patients are safe. Furthermore, patients who are receiving chemotherapy exhibit a training effect in addition to positive physical and psychological effects. This program is expected to demonstrate the same positive short-term effects and prevent some of the long-term complications of cancer treatment. In the short term, patients who exercise, will improve functional ability, reduce pain and fatigue and improve mood and quality of life. Long term benefits may include: decreased risk for coronary artery disease, prevention of osteoporosis, improved weight control, increased productivity, improved independence and improve quality of life. If these are some goals you desire we invite you to contact us at one of our convenient locations.