What is Oncology Physiotherapy?

Oncology physiotherapy is a specialised area of physiotherapy focused on preventing, assessing and managing the physical effects of cancer and its treatments.

Cancer treatment can affect muscles, joints, nerves, bones, the lymphatic system and overall physical capacity. These changes can make everyday activities more challenging, whether that means reaching overhead, returning to work, exercising, caring for your family or simply getting through the day with less fatigue.

An oncology physiotherapist understands the specific considerations associated with cancer, surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and other treatments.

Our approach is personalised to your diagnosis, treatment history, current symptoms and individual goals.

You don't need to wait until treatment is finished or symptoms become severe to benefit from physiotherapy.

 

How Can Oncology Physiotherapy Help?

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Cancer-Related Fatigue

Cancer-related fatigue is more than ordinary tiredness. It can persist despite rest and significantly affect everyday life.

We use individualised exercise, activity pacing and energy management strategies to help improve physical capacity and manage fatigue without placing unnecessary demands on your body.

Post-Surgical Rehabilitation

Cancer surgery can affect movement, strength, posture and the way your body feels and functions.

We support recovery following procedures such as mastectomy, breast reconstruction, lymph node surgery and other cancer-related operations.

Treatment may focus on restoring movement, improving strength, managing scar tightness and helping you safely return to everyday activities.

Axillary Web Syndrome (Cording)

Cording can develop following breast or axillary surgery and may cause tightness, pulling or discomfort through the armpit, arm or chest.

Specialised physiotherapy can help address pain and movement restrictions through gentle manual therapy, stretching and progressive exercise.

Scar Tissue & Radiation Fibrosis

Surgery and radiotherapy can cause changes to tissue mobility, flexibility and sensation.

Scar tightness, adhesions and fibrosis may contribute to discomfort and restricted movement.

We use specialised scar therapy techniques, hands-on treatment and targeted exercises to help improve tissue mobility and function.

Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy

Some cancer treatments can affect peripheral nerves, causing numbness, tingling, altered sensation, weakness or balance difficulties.

Physiotherapy may include balance training, strengthening, functional exercises and strategies to reduce falls risk and improve confidence with everyday movement.

Joint & Muscle Pain

Joint stiffness and muscular discomfort are common during and after cancer treatment, including in people receiving endocrine therapy.

Physiotherapy can help identify contributing factors and develop practical strategies to improve comfort, mobility and function.

Loss of Strength & Physical Fitness

Reduced activity, surgery, treatment side effects and prolonged periods of illness can lead to muscle weakness and reduced cardiovascular fitness.

We use progressive resistance training and individually prescribed exercise to help rebuild strength, improve endurance and restore confidence in physical activity.

Bone Health & Osteoporosis

Certain cancer treatments, including endocrine therapy and androgen deprivation therapy, can contribute to reduced bone mineral density.

We provide bone health education, strength and balance training, and appropriate exercise prescription to support bone health and reduce falls risk.

For suitable patients, we also offer the Onero® Program, a supervised exercise program specifically designed for people with low bone density.

Lymphoedema & Swelling

Cancer surgery and radiotherapy can affect the lymphatic system, increasing the risk of swelling and lymphoedema.

As accredited lymphoedema therapists, we can assess swelling, provide education, identify early changes and develop individualised management strategies.

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Cancer Rehabilitation at Every Stage

Before Treatment — Prehabilitation

Preparing your body before cancer treatment can help improve physical capacity and establish strategies to manage potential treatment side effects.

Prehabilitation may include:

• Assessment of strength, movement and physical fitness

• Education about anticipated physical changes

• Exercise prescription before surgery or other treatments

• Strategies to maintain function and independence

During Treatment — Maintaining Function

Chemotherapy, radiotherapy and other cancer treatments can create changing physical demands.

We adapt rehabilitation to your energy levels, symptoms, treatment schedule and medical needs, helping you remain as active as safely possible.

After Treatment — Restoring Movement & Strength

Finishing cancer treatment does not always mean that physical recovery is complete.

You may continue to experience fatigue, weakness, pain, stiffness, neuropathy or reduced confidence in your body.

Our focus is on restoring function, rebuilding physical capacity and helping you return to the activities that matter most.​

Living With Advanced Cancer — Supporting Quality of Life

Physiotherapy can also play an important role for people living with advanced or metastatic cancer.

Treatment is adapted to individual medical considerations and may focus on maintaining mobility, reducing discomfort, supporting independence and making daily activities easier.

Our goal is to help you maintain the best possible quality of life, whatever your circumstances.

 

What Does Oncology Physiotherapy Involve?

Your first appointment involves a comprehensive assessment of your health, cancer treatment history, physical symptoms and personal goals.

Depending on your needs, your treatment plan may include:

• Hands-on physiotherapy: Manual therapy to address pain, stiffness, soft tissue restrictions and movement difficulties.

• Individualised exercise: Strength, mobility, balance and cardiovascular exercise tailored to your physical capacity.

• Scar and fibrosis management: Specialised techniques to address tissue tightness and restrictions following surgery or radiotherapy.

• Fatigue management: Education, activity pacing and exercise strategies to help manage cancer-related fatigue.

• Lymphoedema assessment and management: Specialised support for swelling and lymphatic concerns.

• Education and self-management: Practical strategies to help you understand symptoms and manage your health between appointments.

Your treatment plan is flexible and can be adjusted as your medical treatment, physical needs and goals change.​​​