Physiotherapies, Physical Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine

Physiotherapy in Oncology and Palliative Care

Palliative care is a practice discipline, which involves accelerating and life-threatening illnesses such as cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, motor neuron disease and multiple sclerosis, each of which can benefit from the engagement of physiotherapy.

Palliative care improves quality of life by providing pain relief and management of distressing and debilitating symptoms for patients with a life-expectancy illness, and their families.

 In oncology, palliative care takes over when cure is not possible or probable. Palliative care has holistic focus and refers to the active inter-disciplinary care of the total person including the physical, social, psychosocial and spiritual needs of the person and cares. It also encompasses the bereavement period.

The physiotherapist has an extensive role to play in palliative oncology, beginning early with rehabilitation and continuing as a team member into hospice care. Physiotherapists have large preventative, educative and supportive roles to play well as providing independent and complementary therapies for physical debility and pain.