Deconditioning is closely related to fatigue as a major side-effect of cancer treatments. As fatigue sets in, an individual’s activity level decreases. Once activity level decreases, the body is not being stimulated to generate either strength or endurance, and so, like the old saying goes, if we don’t use it, we lose it. The deconditioning may be mild, causing someone to feel that they just aren’t their normal, energetic self, but it can also progress to the point that one is no longer able to carry out life’s everyday tasks. No matter what degree the deconditioning takes, it is important to address it to restore an acceptable quality of life. It is the job of the specialized physical therapists at Oncology Rehabilitation Specialists to design programs that are appropriate, safe, and manageable for each individual to interrupt this cycle of deconditioning and optimize his or her functional abilities and quality of life during this important time.
