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After treatment and remission

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy restores movement, strength, balance and stamina through exercise and other methods. This topic explains how a physiotherapist helps after leukaemia and what to expect at a visit.

Last updated: ~3 min read
A glowing elastic band on a mat.
Figure 1.Resistance exercise.

01Short answer

A physiotherapist is a specialist in movement and body function. After leukaemia, physiotherapy can help with muscle weakness (topic “Rebuilding strength”), balance problems and the risk of falls (topic “Preventing falls”), neuropathy (topic “Neuropathy”), stiff joints, bone problems — such as osteoporosis or avascular necrosis after steroids (topic “Liver”) — and fatigue (topic “Balancing fatigue and activity”). At the first visit the physiotherapist talks with you, asks about difficulties in daily life and assesses your strength, range of movement, balance and walking. They then design a personal programme: strength exercises (resistance bands, light weights, your own body weight), balance exercises, aerobic activity (walking, an exercise bike) and stretching. Most of the programme is done at home; at visits the technique is checked and the load is gradually increased. The physiotherapist takes your blood counts and your doctor’s restrictions into account: if platelets are low, heavy loads and exercises with a risk of knocks are avoided; if bones are weak, special care is needed. The programme is also adapted if you have a catheter or after a transplant. For children, physiotherapy is play-based and motor development is followed. If chest pain, breathlessness, dizziness or new severe pain occur during exercise, stop and tell your doctor.

02Simple explanation

A physiotherapist is a movement specialist.

They help with weakness, balance, neuropathy and joints.

The first visit is an assessment.

Most of the programme is done at home.

Blood counts and restrictions are taken into account.

03Scientific explanation

What it is: the NHS describes physiotherapy as helping to restore movement and function through exercise, manual therapy and advice.

Part of rehabilitation: the WHO counts physiotherapy among the core components of rehabilitation.

After cancer: the NCI advises asking about physical therapy for strength and movement problems after treatment.

Children: the COG recommends a physical therapy assessment for survivors with neuropathy, avascular necrosis or motor difficulties.

04What happens in the body?

What does a physiotherapist do?

They assess movement, strength and balance, design a personal exercise programme and teach technique.

At the first visit

A talk, your difficulties, strength and balance tests and watching how you walk. Wear comfortable clothes and bring a list of your medicines.

Balance exercises

Standing on one leg while holding a chair, heel-to-toe walking and a balance board — under the physiotherapist’s supervision.

A balance board beside a chair.
Figure 2.Balance training — Physiotherapy

Measuring progress

Walking distance, the number of sit-to-stands and how long you can hold your balance. Small gains matter too.

A line of lengthening marks of light.
Figure 3.Progress in walking.

Safety

Platelets, bones, catheters and your condition after a transplant are taken into account. Stop if warning signs appear.

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.

05What physiotherapy achieves

Steps.

First visit — Assessment.1First visitAssessment.
Exercises — Personal exercises.2ExercisesPersonal exercises.
Home — A home programme.3HomeA home programme.
Progress — Gradual progress.4ProgressGradual progress.
StrengthStronger muscles.
BalanceBetter balance.
MovementEasier movement.

06Types of exercise in physiotherapy (simplified)

TypeExampleAim
StrengthBands, sit-to-standMuscles
BalanceStanding on one legPreventing falls
AerobicWalking, exercise bikeStamina
StretchingGentle stretchesRange of movement

* Your physiotherapist chooses the programme to suit your condition.

07Key terms

Physiotherapist
A specialist in movement and function.
Range of movement
How far a joint can move.
Resistance band
An elastic band used for resistance.
Aerobic exercise
Activity that works the heart and lungs.
Avascular necrosis
Bone damage due to a poor blood supply.
Home programme
Exercises done at home.

08Key points

  • Ask your doctor about physiotherapy.
  • Do your home programme regularly.
  • Build up the load gradually.
  • Tell your physiotherapist your blood counts.
  • Stop if you have pain or dizziness.
  • Note your progress.

09Frequently asked questions

Should physiotherapy hurt?

Mild muscle tiredness is normal; sharp pain is not.

How often are visits needed?

It depends on need; most of the work is done at home.

Is it available for children?

Yes, play-based paediatric physiotherapy.

Can I exercise in a pool?

Ask your doctor first about your catheter and infection risk.

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. Should physiotherapy hurt?

  2. How often are visits needed?

  3. Is it available for children?

  4. Can I exercise in a pool?

  5. Does this information replace medical advice?

My questions

12Sources

  1. NHS. Physiotherapy
  2. World Health Organization. Rehabilitation
  3. MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine). Rehabilitation
  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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