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After treatment and remission

Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation is planned help after treatment to rebuild strength, movement, thinking and independence in daily life. This topic explains what it involves and who takes part.

Last updated: ~3 min read
A team around one person
Figure 1.A team around one person.

01Short answer

Leukaemia treatment — especially long chemotherapy, stem cell transplantation and long hospital stays — can lead to muscle weakness, fatigue, balance problems, neuropathy, difficulties with attention and memory, and emotional strain. Rehabilitation is designed to deal with these effects and help people return to what matters to them: home, family, work, school and hobbies. The WHO describes rehabilitation as a set of interventions that optimise how a person functions in everyday life. The team may include a physiotherapist (strength, balance, movement — topic “Physiotherapy”), an occupational therapist (daily tasks, adapting the workplace and home), a speech and language therapist (speech, swallowing), a psychologist (mood, fear, attention), a dietitian and a social worker. The process usually begins with an assessment: what is hard and what matters. Then personal, realistic goals are set, such as “climbing the stairs without stopping” or “working half days”. The programme is regular — in hospital, as an outpatient or at home — and progress is reviewed from time to time. Rehabilitation can start during treatment or afterwards; the sooner, the better. For children it works through play and is planned together with the school.

02Simple explanation

Rehabilitation is the planned recovery of function.

The team: physiotherapist, occupational therapist, psychologist and others.

It starts with an assessment.

Goals are personal and realistic.

The sooner, the better.

03Scientific explanation

Definition: the WHO defines rehabilitation as interventions that optimise everyday functioning and reduce disability in people with a health condition.

Team: MedlinePlus notes that rehabilitation combines physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and psychological support.

After cancer: the NCI’s “Facing Forward” advises asking about rehabilitation services for physical and emotional changes after treatment.

Children: COG guidelines include rehabilitation and educational support for survivors with neuropathy, weakness or learning difficulties.

04What happens in the body?

Who needs rehabilitation?

Anyone who has difficulty with daily tasks, movement, thinking or mood. There is no age limit.

A box of simple tools of light.
Figure 3.The different parts of rehabilitation.

The team

A physiotherapist, occupational therapist, speech and language therapist, psychologist, dietitian and social worker. Your doctor decides who you need.

The stages

Assessment, goals, a regular programme, reviewing progress and updating the programme.

A path with small milestones of light.
Figure 2.The stages of rehabilitation.

Occupational therapy

It makes daily activities such as dressing, cooking and returning to work easier, and teaches the use of aids and energy saving.

Carrying on at home

Much of the programme is done at home. Short, regular sessions help more than rare long ones.

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.

05The rehabilitation journey

Steps.

Assess — Assessing needs.1AssessAssessing needs.
Goals — Personal goals.2GoalsPersonal goals.
Programme — A regular programme.3ProgrammeA regular programme.
Review — Reviewing progress.4ReviewReviewing progress.
StrengthStrength returns.
IndependenceDaily tasks get easier.
ReturnBack to what matters.

06Who helps with what (simplified)

SpecialistHelps with
PhysiotherapistStrength, balance, movement
Occupational therapistDaily tasks, work, home
Speech and language therapistSpeech, swallowing
PsychologistMood, attention, fear
Social workerPractical and social matters

* The make-up of the team varies by country and clinic.

07Key terms

Rehabilitation
Planned recovery of function.
Occupational therapy
Help with everyday activities.
Physiotherapy
Recovery of movement and strength.
Speech and language therapist
A specialist in speech and swallowing.
Referral
Being sent to a specialist.
Function
The ability to carry out daily activities.

08Key points

  • If things are hard, ask about rehabilitation.
  • Make goals personal and realistic.
  • Follow the programme regularly.
  • Carry on at home.
  • Note your progress.
  • For children, plan it with the school.

09Frequently asked questions

How long does rehabilitation last?

It depends on need — from a few weeks to months.

Can it start during treatment?

Often yes; your doctor will say what level is safe.

Does it help with attention problems?

Yes; cognitive rehabilitation exists (topic “Memory and attention”).

Who makes the referral?

Your haematologist or family 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. How long does rehabilitation last?

  2. Can it start during treatment?

  3. Does it help with attention problems?

  4. Who makes the referral?

  5. Does this information replace medical advice?

My questions

12Sources

  1. World Health Organization. Rehabilitation
  2. MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine). Rehabilitation
  3. NHS. Physiotherapy
  4. National Cancer Institute. Facing Forward: Life After Cancer Treatment
  5. Children's Oncology Group. Long-Term Follow-Up Guidelines for Survivors of Childhood, Adolescent and Young Adult Cancers
  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. Cancer.Net (ASCO). Long-Term Side Effects of Cancer Treatment
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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