OPTIMA The Center for Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation is proud to announce the addition of a Cancer Rehabilitation Program to our clinic. Under the direction of Ashlee Nelson, MAPT at OPTIMA, Vanessa Wesley, BS, MBS-eligible exercise physiologist, has recently been certified as a Cancer Exercise Specialist by the Rocky Mountain Cancer Rehabilitation Institute (RMCRI) at the University of Northern Colorado.
Most cancer patients experience some degree of fatigue, pain, lymphedema, body image changes, depression and anxiety and a decline in normal physical activity and functional capacity, which can be significantly improved by moderate exercise. Research is increasingly showing the benefits of exercise for cancer patients, including:
- Improves cardiac output
- Promotes oxygen consumption at higher than resting levels
- Increases ventilation
- Improves flexibility and range of motion
- Increases muscular strength and endurance
- Decreases resting heart rate
- Improves stroke volume, vasodilation, perfusion
- Promotes growth factors
- Increases removal of necrotic load
- Improves metabolic efficiency
- Improves blood counts
- Improves hormone regulation
- Improves neuromotor activity
- Decreases lean mass loss
- Improves deposition of minerals to the bones
- Promotes protein synthesis
- Promotes appropriate body composition
- Improves appetite
- Promotes restful sleep
In order to individualize the prescriptive exercise intervention, a complete fitness assessment will be done to determine the patient?s status and goals. The fitness assessment includes measurements of:
- Cardiovascular endurance
- Muscular strength and endurance
- Pulmonary function
- Flexibility
- Body composition
In addition, we will acquire information about the patient?s medical and cancer history, a 3-day diet diary to assess nutritional intake patterns, and present supplement and pharmaceutical intake.
Based upon the intake and physical and psychological assessment, our physical therapist and certified exercise specialist will develop a specialized, moderate exercise program for each cancer patient, using a whole body rehabilitation approach. Our goals will be to improve the function, strength, stability, and quality of life, while continually educating the patient towards an independent exercise program.
Please call (719) 471-4221 or contact Vanessa at vanessa@optimarehab.com to schedule an appointment or for additional information.
|