Types of Pelvic Cancers
Gynecologic cancers account for 12.5% of all new female cancer diagnoses, and include uterine cancer, cervical cancer, ovarian cancer and less commonly cancer of the vulva or vagina. These cancers can be accompanied by varying symptoms of pelvic pain, urinary dysfunction, bowel dysfunction and sexual dysfunction.
Medical management for these can include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgical excision, and more often than not causes an array of side effects that may include but are not limited to:
How can Physical Therapy Help?
Research shows that Physical Therapy can improve quality of life, and is a valuable part of cancer rehabilitation. Here’s what it can offer:
- Lymphedema management
- Pelvic Floor Muscle Training
- Biofeedback Therapy
- Manual Therapy for muscular, fascial, scar restrictions
- Behavior and lifestyle recommendations to improve bladder and bowel function
- Exercise Therapy for regaining mobility, stability and strength
- Posture Education
- Vaginal dilator program
- Cardiorespiratory conditioning
References:
- https://academic.oup.com/ptj/article/100/8/1357/5828396
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7286759/
- https://www.researchgate.net/profile/K-M-Amran-Hossain/publication/328702209_Physiotherapy_management_of_chemotherapy_induced_peripheral_neuropathy_in_a_gynecological_condition_through_clinical_reasoning_process_A_case_study/links/5bdca23392851c6b27a1a775/Physiotherapy-management-of-chemotherapy-induced-peripheral-neuropathy-in-a-gynecological-condition-through-clinical-reasoning-process-A-case-study.pdf?_sg%5B0%5D=started_experiment_milestone&origin=journalDetail
