• Evaluation of muscle strength and movement.
• Evaluation and treatment for loss of joint mobility.
• Stretching and strengthening of involved soft tissue.
• Education and precautions to prevent loss of range in joints due to side effects of radiation therapy.
• Strengthening of weakened muscles through endurance/fitness programs.
• Balance and coordination exercises.
• Instruction in mobility techniques, including moving from lying to sitting to standing, as well as walking or wheelchair activities.
• Pain management using various forms of therapy as well as positioning, movement and body mechanics.
• Caregiver education in how to properly lift, move, and otherwise assist a patient with daily activities, including walking or getting into and out of a wheelchair. This may include instruction in body mechanics and personal safety.

Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy can provide rehabilitation services to persons with physical disease or disability, developmental limitations or related psychosocial impairment. Goals include helping a person maximize his or her independence, prevent further disability and maintain good health.  For people with cancer, such treatments may include:

• Evaluation of muscle strength and mobility.
• Activities of Daily Living (ADL) training, such as bathing, dressing, food preparation, homemaking, etc.
• Adaptation and/or fabrication of equipment to promote ADL independence.
• Fatigue management, including instruction in how to conserve energy and protect joints.
• Wheelchair fittings and instruction.
• Therapeutic exercises and activities to improve or maintain coordination, strength, endurance, range of motion and ADL.
• Upper extremity orthotic and prosthetic equipment management, including proper fitting and training.
• Discharge planning. This may include home-health care instruction, training in the use of durable medical equipment, such as a walker, tub bench or bedside commode.  Effective discharge planning also may require coordination and consultation with other health-care providers.