Fatigue is one of the most prominently noted side-effects of cancer treatments, and is a very common side-effect of radiation therapy as well. One of the most potent weapons we have to fight against cancer-related fatigue, believe it or not, is exercise. While it may sound somewhat counter intuitive to get up and try to move when every ounce of you just wants to rest, it is well documented that exercise, if properly dosed, can significantly decrease one’s level of fatigue. While no one is certain why or how exercise works to reduce fatigue exactly, it has been shown repeatedly to increase energy, appetite, immune system response, and overall sense of well-being and quality of life for individuals going through cancer treatments. Our therapists are uniquely equipped to evaluate an individual’s current fatigue status and prescribe an exercise program that is safe and appropriate for that specific individual at that specific point in time, taking into account all factors of that person’s current treatment protocol, blood counts and overall physical capability.
It is important to note that cancer-related fatigue is often multi-factorial in its origin, so it is important that someone experiencing it discuss it with his or her physician. There may be underlying physical causes of fatigue, such as anemia, metabolic disorders, sleep disorders, or medication side effects that can be addressed medically. Fatigue may also have an emotional component, such as depression or anxiety. Fortunately medical interventions can be extremely helpful for these aspects of fatigue as well.