Physiatry & Cancer
Why You Should Have a Physiatrist on Your Cancer Care Team
Physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) physicians play a key role
in the care of cancer patients. Increasingly, the medical community is
recognizing the importance of rehabilitation in the cancer care continuum.
You deserve to know about your options. Our team is here to support you
and to provide you with access to resources that can aid you in your treatment
and recovery journey.
The American Cancer Society published a report stating that multi-disciplinary
cancer rehabilitation has been shown to benefit cancer survivors in numerous
ways, according to a number of studies. This multidisciplinary team may
include physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists,
rehabilitation nurses, and physiatrists, or doctors of physical medicine
and rehabilitation (PM&R).
According to this report, points of improvement for cancer survivors who
received care from a multidisciplinary team included:
- Pain control
- Physical function
- Cognitive function
- Overall quality of life
Physiatry for Cancer Patients
PM&R physiatrists focus on preventing, diagnosing, and treating a variety
of disorders that affect the musculoskeletal system. This includes conditions
and disorders that affect the nerves, bones, muscles, and brain. Early
intervention is key in avoiding long-term or permanent negative affects
arising form these conditions. The close involvement of a physiatrist
in the overall care and recovery of a cancer patient is therefore key
in reaching quality of life and maintaining maximum functionality and
mobility. Learn more about the role of physiatry in cancer care at Washington
Township Medical Foundation in Fremont.