Introduction
The goal of the C.A.R.E., Cancer And Rehabilitative Exercise, program is to improve your quality of life by reducing fatigue during and after cancer treatment. Treatments used to fight cancer, such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy; not only destroy cancer cells, but also destroy many healthy cells. The result is often a decline in optimal physical function.
According to information from the American Cancer Society, "newer research has shown that exercise is not only safe and possible during cancer treatment, but it can improve physical functioning and quality of life. Too much rest may result in loss of function, strength, and range of motion in the person with a chronic illness. As a result, many cancer care teams are now urging their patients to be as physically active as possible during cancer treatment. Regular exercise is an effective way to counteract the negative effects of inactivity in chronic illness."
Physical Therapy
Mady & Mules Physical
Therapy developed the
C.A.R.E. (Cancer And Rehabilitative Exercise) Program in order to help
meet the needs of patients undergoing or recovering from treatment for
cancer. This program has been extremely successful in the 3-years since
it was established and continues to expand. As Physical Therapists, we
understand that the positive physiological, emotional and psychological
effects of exercise benefit virtually every individual, including
someone affected by an active disease process. Our knowledge in the
benefits of the use of exercise to enable and facilitate better health
in a population fighting serious disease led to the development of the
C.A.R.E. program.
This program is designed to take into account your diagnosis, your current cancer treatment plan, and your fitness level, all of which affect your ability to exercise. Your C.A.R.E. program will be personalized to meet your physical needs and goals. This program will be designed as a cooperative effort between you, your Physician and your Physical Therapist.
Your Program
Our Physical Therapists utilize their knowledge of therapeutic exercise and disease processes to develop an individualized program to address deficits in strength, endurance, and flexibility. With time, everyday activities will become less difficult to perform.
Exercise programs may include active range of motion activities, balance and coordination drills, light resistance training, and cardiovascular conditioning. Patients are encouraged to attend the C.A.R.E. program 2-3x / week. These sessions will typically be one hour in duration. Sessions will involve one-on-one interaction with your therapist, who will closely monitor your technique and response to exercise. Participants will also be placed in a group with others using similar programs in order to help motivate and provide a much needed support system.
Cancer To 5K
In July 2010, our team partnered with the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults to run an incredible fitness program for cancer survivors called CANCER to 5K. The program is a free 12-week training program designed to introduce and/or reintroduce cancer survivors to physical activity by providing them with the training plan, coaches, encouragement and support necessary to complete a 5K (3.1 miles) distance road race. This year, we had 5 participants in Howard County successfully complete the program and run their very first 5k at the Baltimore Running Festival. Click here to see their journey!
