Alternative options of rehabilitation and healing

You can listen to this article below, or by using your favourite podcast player at pod.link/buddiesforlife

The National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS), a cancer advocacy group founded in 1986, defined cancer survivorship as “the experience of living with, through, and beyond a diagnosis of cancer.”¹

Views differ as to when a person with cancer becomes a survivor. Is it the moment of diagnosis, completion of initial treatment or even five years beyond diagnosis? And why does it matter?

It matters because many who have completed treatment for cancer often report experiencing various side effects and after effects resulting from treatment. These include physical and functional limitations that can last for many years post cancer treatment.  Survivors experience decreased strength and endurance, issues with range of motion, and breathing difficulties.

Cognitive limitations relating to memory and concentration are reported regularly, especially after extensive treatments that have included chemotherapy.

Some even report struggling with the empty time in their day that was previously filled with their treatment routine.

To add to this, there is an emotional burden of the need to fill the day in a meaningful way. A long-time patient and friend shared the enormous burden of being labelled a survivor saying, “Surely I should now be doing something big and meaningful.”

Rehabilitation options

Various treatment and rehabilitation options are available to assist you in overcoming side effects. Occupational-, physio- and speech therapists, biokineticists, psychologists, and a host of health professionals are available to support in this healing process.

Sometimes though, you may be tired of medical treatments and searching for alternative ways to achieve the same results.

Alternative rehabilitation

A variety of alternatives to traditional rehabilitation have been developed to allow survivors the opportunity to overcome long-term side effects without having to accept traditional medical treatments. There are many options, but let’s delve into the more tried and tested.

Equine assisted therapy

This therapy has been found to be of great benefit to survivors in reconnecting to both physical and emotional strength. From walking next to a horse to riding one, this therapy is found to benefit both you (survivor) and your family. Horses form a deep connection with a human being. It also provides opportunities for physical exercise and reduces anxiety.

Attending therapy on a farm provides you with a much-needed change in environment and creates a space in which you can experience a sense of empowerment. Imagine the freedom experienced when controlling something as large as a horse after having felt so powerless in controlling a diagnosis like cancer.

Exercise medicine

Research is growing daily in the area of exercise medicine. Explained simply, daily exercise can often be the best medicine. Regular exercise improves aerobic fitness, muscle strength, lymphoedema symptoms and flare-ups, and general functional capacity, to name but a few benefits.

You may have had treatments that have left you looking quite different from what you were before and can regain a positive body image through regular exercise. Pilates, yoga and walking groups are popular options and many groups are available in SA, specifically for cancer survivors.

Art therapy

This is a form of psychotherapy involving the encouragement of free self-expression through painting, drawing, or sculpture. South Africa boasts trained art therapists who support you through the journey of emotional healing nested in artistic expression.

Music therapy

According to the American Music Therapy Association, “Music therapy uses music to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of patients of all ages and abilities. Music therapy interventions can be designed to promote wellness, manage stress, alleviate pain, express feelings, enhance memory, improve communication, and promote physical rehabilitation.”

WATSU®

This is a type of aquatic treatment where a therapist gently supports and moves you in chest-deep water. The term Watsu is a combination of the words water, and shiatsu, a Japanese massage technique that uses acupressure.

WATSU® can help with physical and mental difficulties, including chronic pain, stress, and anxiety. It can also help relieve pressure on the spine, which can improve circulation and reduce muscle discomfort.

Choose the one that suits you

Deciding which option is right can differ due to your personality type and type of treatment or side effects experienced. The important thing to know is that there is a host of options available to ensure you are able to regain that which was lost and not only survive but thrive.

---

References

1. (NCCS, 1996)
   

   ---