Oncology Rehabilitation
Physiotherapy & exercise rehabilitation during and after cancer treatment
- Support before, during or after cancer treatment where appropriate.
- Assessment of strength, mobility, fatigue and physical function.
- An individual plan shaped by your treatment, symptoms and goals.
- Physiotherapy delivered alongside—not instead of—medical care.
Our Approach
Evidence-informed, individualised rehabilitation
How oncology rehabilitation is plannedClinical assessment, progression and liaison with your healthcare team
Physiotherapy and appropriately prescribed exercise can play an important role in supporting physical function, strength, mobility and quality of life for people living with and beyond cancer.
Rehabilitation may be appropriate before, during or after cancer treatment, depending on the individual's diagnosis, treatment plan, symptoms, medical status, goals and current level of function.
Assessment may include physical function, strength, mobility, activity levels, fatigue, exercise tolerance and individual rehabilitation goals.
Where appropriate, rehabilitation is delivered alongside your existing medical and oncology care. Physiotherapy does not replace medical, surgical or oncology treatment.
If your presentation requires medical assessment, investigation, specialist review or another form of treatment, you may be advised to contact or liaise with your GP, consultant, oncology team or another appropriate healthcare professional.
Research supports exercise as an important component of rehabilitation for many people living with and beyond cancer. However, the evidence varies according to cancer type, treatment stage, intervention, outcome and individual circumstances.
For this reason, exercise should not be prescribed using a one-size-fits-all approach.
The aim is to develop an appropriate and progressive programme based on your clinical assessment, current treatment, symptoms, goals and tolerance.
Research suggests that appropriately prescribed exercise and rehabilitation can support physical function and recovery around cancer treatment and surgery. The effects vary between individuals and clinical circumstances.
The number of sessions required varies depending on your goals, presentation, progress and clinical needs.
Urgent or emergency medical concerns
Physiorehab is not an emergency medical service.
If you have a medical emergency or symptoms that could indicate a serious or life-threatening condition, do not wait for a physiotherapy appointment or rely on information from this website.
Call 999 or attend your nearest Emergency Department where appropriate.
For urgent but non-life-threatening concerns, contact NHS 111, your GP, or the appropriate member of your healthcare team.
Examples of symptoms requiring urgent medical assessment may include severe or rapidly worsening symptoms, chest pain, significant difficulty breathing, sudden neurological changes, collapse, unexplained severe swelling, signs of serious infection, or other symptoms that concern you.
This list is not exhaustive. If you are concerned about your health, seek appropriate medical advice.
Clinical information notice
This article provides general educational information and is not a substitute for an individual clinical assessment or medical advice.
The information is not tailored to your diagnosis, medical history, treatment, medications or individual risk factors.
If you have concerns about your symptoms or health, please speak with an appropriate healthcare professional.