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After treatment and remission

Rebuilding strength

Muscle strength falls during treatment, but it can be rebuilt with strength exercises. This topic explains how to start strength exercises safely and build them up gradually.

Last updated: ~3 min read
Fibres of light growing thicker.
Figure 1.Muscles regain strength.

01Short answer

Leukaemia treatment reduces muscle strength for several reasons: long periods in bed, little movement, steroids (which can weaken muscles), poor appetite and weight loss, and sometimes neuropathy. Weak muscles make climbing stairs, carrying things and balance harder, and raise the risk of falls (topic “Preventing falls”). Strength exercises build muscles, bones (topic “Liver”) and joints, improve metabolism and reduce fatigue. The WHO and ACS recommend that adults do strength exercises for the major muscle groups on at least 2 days a week. You do not need a gym to start: standing up from a chair, wall push-ups, step-ups, resistance band exercises and lifting small water bottles. Do each exercise slowly with good technique, and do not hold your breath. Start with 8–12 repetitions; when that gets easy, increase the repetitions and then the load. Rest for at least a day between sessions. Mild muscle soreness is normal; sharp pain is a signal to stop. If you have weak bones (osteoporosis, osteonecrosis), neuropathy or heart problems, a physiotherapist can build a programme that suits you (topic “Physiotherapy”).

02Simple explanation

Muscle strength falls during treatment.

Strength exercises help muscles, bones and balance.

Recommendation: at least 2 days a week.

You can start at home: chair, wall, band.

If you have problems: a physiotherapist.

03Scientific explanation

Recommendation: the WHO recommends that adults do moderate or vigorous strength exercises involving all major muscle groups on at least 2 days a week.

Home exercises: the NHS shows that simple exercises such as sit-to-stand, wall push-ups and step-ups strengthen muscles effectively.

Survivors: the ACS recommends that survivors combine strength exercises with aerobic activity; this reduces fatigue and muscle loss.

Safety: MedlinePlus notes that good technique, building up gradually and resting between sessions help prevent injury.

04What happens in the body?

Why has my strength gone?

Bed rest, little movement, steroids and weight loss weaken muscles. This is very common after treatment.

Why does strength matter?

Strong muscles make stairs, carrying and balance easier, protect the bones and lower the risk of falls.

Simple exercises at home

Standing up from a chair, wall push-ups, step-ups, rising onto your toes and pulling a resistance band.

A lit chair and a smooth wall.
Figure 3.Exercising at home with a chair and a wall.

How to build up

Start with 8–12 repetitions. When it gets easy, increase the repetitions, then the load (band, small weights). 2–3 times a week, with rest days in between.

A band of light stretched above a mat.
Figure 2.Exercising with a resistance band.

When is a specialist needed?

If you have weak bones, joint pain, neuropathy, or heart or lung problems, a physiotherapist builds a personal, safe programme.

When to call your doctor

Worrying signs — fever, bleeding, new pain, breathlessness — should be reported to your doctor between visits too. Getting in touch early is always better than waiting.

05Rebuilding strength

Steps.

Chair — Sit-to-stand.1ChairSit-to-stand.
Wall — Wall push-ups.2WallWall push-ups.
Band — Resistance band exercises.3BandResistance band exercises.
Rest — A rest day between sessions.4RestA rest day between sessions.
StrengthMuscles get stronger.
BonesBones are protected.
IndependenceDaily tasks get easier.

06Strength exercises at home (simplified)

ExerciseWhich musclesTo start
Sit-to-standLegs, hips8–10 repetitions
Wall push-upsArms, chest8–10 repetitions
Rising onto toesCalves10 repetitions, holding a support
Band pullsBack, arms8–12 repetitions

* Check your technique with a physiotherapist.

07Key terms

Strength exercise
Movement that works muscles against resistance.
Repetition
Doing a movement once.
Resistance band
A rubber band that creates resistance.
Muscle loss
A fall in muscle size and strength.
Osteoporosis
Reduced bone density.
Technique
Doing a movement correctly.

08Key points

  • Start slowly.
  • Strength exercises 2 days a week.
  • Good technique matters.
  • Do not hold your breath.
  • Rest between sessions.
  • Stop if you feel sharp pain.

09Frequently asked questions

I take steroids — can I do strength exercises?

Often yes, with a light load; ask your doctor.

Can I lift heavy weights?

Gradually; if you have bone problems, talk to your doctor first.

How soon will I see results?

Often within a few weeks daily tasks feel easier.

Can children do strength exercises?

Play, climbing and body-weight exercises, yes; agree heavy loads with the doctor.

Does this information replace medical advice?

No. This is general education; only your treating doctor can assess your situation.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. I take steroids — can I do strength exercises?

  2. Can I lift heavy weights?

  3. How soon will I see results?

  4. Can children do strength exercises?

  5. Does this information replace medical advice?

My questions

12Sources

  1. NHS. Strength exercises
  2. NHS. Strength and flexibility exercises
  3. World Health Organization. Physical activity
  4. American Cancer Society. Nutrition and Physical Activity During and After Cancer Treatment
  5. MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine). Exercise and Physical Fitness
  6. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Follow-Up Medical Care
  7. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Cancer Survivorship
  8. Cancer.Net (ASCO). Follow-Up Care After Cancer Treatment
  9. Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). Long-Term and Late Effects of Treatment
  10. National Cancer Institute. Facing Forward: Life After Cancer Treatment
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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