The Power of Physical Therapy for Cancer Survivors: Healing, Recovery, and Resilience

At Monarch Wellness, we proudly stand beside survivors — not just in celebration, but in support of the ongoing journey through treatment, recovery, and beyond. June is Cancer Survivors Month, a time to recognize the strength it takes to navigate a cancer diagnosis and treatment — and the importance of building resilience for long-term wellness.

Physical therapy plays a vital role in helping individuals during and after cancer treatment. Whether you are undergoing chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, or in the stages of recovery and remission, physical therapy offers benefits that support both healing and prevention of recurrence.

How Can Physical Therapy Help During and After Cancer Treatment?

Cancer treatments can take a toll on the body. Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and hormone therapies can cause a wide range of side effects, including:

• Fatigue

• Muscle weakness and loss of strength

• Lymphedema (fluid collection and swelling due to lymph node removal or damage)

• Neuropathy (numbness, tingling, or pain in hands and feet)

• Stiff joints and reduced range of motion

• Scar tissue tightness and adhesions

• Balance and coordination difficulties

• Pain and stiffness in areas such as the shoulders, neck, and back

• Pelvic floor dysfunction (for certain cancer types)

• Postural changes and decreased mobility

A customized physical therapy plan can address these concerns and improve overall function. Our licensed physical therapists are trained in cancer rehabilitation, offering specialized techniques to help manage and reduce these side effects.

Key Benefits of Physical Therapy for Cancer Survivors

• Reduce Fatigue and Boost Energy

  • Gentle, guided exercise and stretching routines combat cancer-related fatigue and help restore stamina, allowing you to return to daily activities with greater ease.

• Manage Lymphedema and Improve Lymphatic Flow

  • Our therapists provide safe, evidence-based exercises and techniques to reduce swelling, improve circulation, and support lymphatic drainage — helping to decrease discomfort and risk of infection.

• Restore Strength, Mobility, and Flexibility

  • Targeted strengthening, stretching, and joint mobilization exercises rebuild muscle mass, restore flexibility, and enhance range of motion after surgery, radiation, or long treatment periods.

• Relieve Pain and Neuropathy Symptoms

  • Hands-on manual therapy, nerve gliding exercises, and balance training can reduce neuropathic pain, tingling, and numbness — improving safety and quality of life.

• Support Mental Health and Well-Being

  • Regular movement can help alleviate anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances, all of which are common during and after cancer treatment.

• Prevent Recurrence and Maintain Long-Term Health

  • Exercise and physical activity, under the guidance of a physical therapist, can reduce inflammation, boost immune function, and promote cardiovascular health — all factors linked to cancer prevention and recurrence reduction.

Compassionate Care at Monarch Wellness

Our physical therapy team understands the complexities of cancer recovery. We offer one-on-one, personalized care tailored to your unique needs and health status. Whether you are currently in treatment, recovering post-surgery, or looking to maintain your wellness in survivorship, we are here to help you feel stronger, move better, and regain confidence in your body.

As one of our patients shared: “I highly recommend Monarch Wellness. The atmosphere is caring. I feel heard. Megan is extremely knowledgeable. I can’t imagine my cancer journey without the support and care of Monarch Wellness.”

This Cancer Survivors Month, we celebrate your resilience — and we invite you to explore how physical therapy can support your ongoing journey toward healing and vitality.

If you or a loved one would like to learn more about our specialized cancer rehab services, reach out to us at Monarch Wellness. We’re honored to walk alongside you.