While most of our programs are focused on a particular type of cancer diagnoses, the cancer exercise program spans all cancer diagnoses with the express aims of increasing patient's quality of life, reducing depression, attenuating fatigue, improving cardio-respiratory performance, enhancing muscular strength and endurance, and increasing flexibility and balance. The program works in conjunction with our neuro-oncology program to help patients address the effects of chemo toxicity on their bodies. But, beyond active cancer treatment, the program helps patients transition into a healthy and active lifestyle. Our exercise program is rooted in the protocols established by the University of Northern Colorado Cancer Rehabilitation Institute (UNCCRI)**, which has been researching the impact of exercise on cancer patients since 1996.

We have adapted their four phase program and married it to our physical therapy knowledge to offer a multidisciplinary approach to patients experiencing chemo toxicity and de-conditioning as a result of their primary cancer treatments.

All cancer diagnoses can benefit from a cancer exercise program - recent research has overwhelmingly supported exercise to treat and prevent the negative physical and psychological side effects of cancer treatment.

Do I need rehab - Key Questions:

Are you feeling generally weak or is your fatigue disproportionate to the activity you are doing?
Are you struggling with depression caused by your cancer treatment?
Do you have treatment-related pain?
Has your cancer treatment left you with tingling, numbness, instability, difficulty balancing or walking in your extremities?
Has your quality of life been affected by your cancer treatment?
Evaluation & Plan
We perform an initial evaluation that looks at the whole person and which phase of cancer treatment you are undergoing or whether you have completed your active treatment phases.

During this initial evaluation, we will perform certain objective tests to set baselines for things like cardiovascular performance and strength. This means that we can objectively measure your progress through the course of the program.
Don't worry about your fitness levels - the program is specific for oncology patients and is carried out at a lower intensity and progressed at a slower pace to safely alleviate your cancer treatment related symptoms.

You will usually work with one main therapist for the duration of your treatment plan with us but your therapist may refer you internally (often to our specialist neurological Physical Therapist for issues like neuropathy or balance) for certain facets of your care to ensure you maximize the benefit from your treatment sessions. The core treatment, however, will be performed by your assigned therapist who takes overall charge of your case at Oncology Rehab.
Treatment
Our core treatments are always one-on-one and include individually tailored:
  • Cardiovascular Exercises
  • Strength Training
  • Balance Training
  • Flexibility
All set at a level appropriate to your cancer diagnosis and physical condition when you enter the program.
"After a lengthy hospital stay and surgery for a brain tumor, I became weak. Several months of PT with Joni helped me make great progress with strength, balance and endurance. I was even able to ski again! I knew I couldn't have accomplished what I did without her help - and I actually enjoyed our sessions!"
JJ 2014
We have developed the exercise elements around the UNCCRI's four phases of exercise rehabilitation for cancer patients:

Phase 1

Phase 2

Phase 3

Phase 4
Who:
Cancer survivors who are undergoing chemotherapy and/or radiation treatments, or have a recurrence of cancer.
What is the goal of this phase?
To alleviate the severe side-effects of chemotherapy and/or radiation treatment.
What type of training will be provided?
Low intensity, one-on-one training 		Who:
Cancer survivors who have completed Phase 1, or patients who have had surgery and/or hormonal treatment, and have not had chemotherapy or radiation.
What is the goal of this phase?
To reduce the physical and functional limitations created by cancer treatment.
What type of training will be provided?
Low-to-moderate intensity, one-on-one training that will incorporate foundational, technique-oriented exercises. At Oncology Rehab, we will also often incorporate manual therapy techniques into the treatment plan during this phase. 		Who:
Cancer survivors who have completed Phase 2 of the program.
What is the goal of this phase?
To improve physiological and psychological values beyond baseline. Clients should be back to functional health after completing this phase.
What type of training will be provided?
Moderate intensity, one-on-one training. Patients may also opt to incorporate pilates or yoga sessions into this phase. 		Who:
Cancer survivors who have completed Phase 3 of the program.
What is the goal of this phase?
To maintain improvements in physiological and psychological parameters. To encourage and develop habits of lifetime physical activity.
What type of training will be provided?
Moderate-to-high intensity training is encouraged. Clients have the option of working out on their own or attending a group class with us (Pilates or Yoga Classes). There are a number of external companies that can help patients in this phase - your therapist can help recommend an appropriate program for you.
information courtesy of the Rocky Mountain Cancer Rehabilitation Institute
Your treatment program may also include manual therapy and, if appropriate, periodic consultations with our our neuro-oncology specialist to address any neurological issues you may be experiencing. Nutrition consultations are also available.
** UNCCRI was established in 1996 to investigate the role exercise plays in the rehabilitation of cancer survivors. The Institute provides clinical cancer rehabilitation services, conducts cutting-edge research, and provides educational opportunities for those committed to the rehabilitative efforts of cancer survivors. UNCCRI is housed in the Ben Nighthorse Campbell Center (BNCC) which was built in 2003 with funds from a federal grant. While UNCCRI is available to cancer survivors throughout Northern Colorado, the research performed at this facility is used to improve our understanding of exercise rehabilitation for cancer survivors around the world.