Cancer Rehab Awareness Week

This September, we are campaigning to raise awareness of Cancer Rehab. As a Certified PINC Cancer Rehab Physio and soon to be STEEL & NEXT STEPS Cancer provider, our clinic wants to spread the word so that no one misses out on these services. Read on for more info on Cancer Rehab & learn more on some funded services you may not be aware of.

We know a high proportion of those with a cancer diagnosis are still missing out on achieving their potential and are living with impairments that with rehabilitation could be mitigated, or even prevented. We also know that a wide range of significant barriers still limit access to cancer rehabilitation, especially here in Taranaki.

Please see the info graph below for more detail on how Cancer Rehab can help individuals throughout their cancer treatment & beyond. It is vital people have a good support network through this journey, not just while in active treatment, but help navigate life beyond treatment. Cancer treatment is tough, and the side effects even tougher, and cancer rehab isn’t just about getting back into exercise and fitness. Physios are experts in graduating activity, fatigue management, pain management & supporting you to overcome the barriers cancer has personally affected you with. We provide individualised care as we understand the different goals and barriers you are facing, whether it be returning to work, looking after grandchildren or preparing for the next phase of treatment. The survivorship of Cancer is getting better & better with improved technologies, & yet there is little support for those living with Cancer, we want to help fix this.  

Whilst you can see our Physio privately for an individualised rehab, we understand that that isn’t possible for everyone to afford. The Breast Cancer Foundation NZ (BCFNZ) now fully fund 4 Physio sessions for anyone in active treatment for Breast Cancer. To access this funding please visit their website https://www.breastcancerfoundation.org.nz/support/cancer-rehab/physio-application.

PINC & STEEL provide funding for Physio services in times of financial hardship, look at their website to apply if Physio is unaffordable for you.

And finally, for those in the later stages of their Cancer journey, our Studio is now offering NEXT STEPS Cancer Rehab classes. These will start October 2021. This is a 10-week exercise based course, where you can attend weekly classes. These classes will be guided strengthening, cardio & some stretching & mindfulness to help you reduce deconditioning, fatigue & to feel stronger, more comfortable in your body. 50% of Cancer patients need to return to work at this stage of their recovery, so we will hold these classes 4:30pm weekdays so that more people can access classes. This service is kindly fully funded through the PINC & STEEL Foundation as well. Follow us @physiopilates_np on social media or check our website physiopilatesnp.co.nz in October for more info on this local service.

Raising awareness for cancer rehabilitation means more people get the support they need. It helps not only individuals affected by Cancer, but their families as well. We hope you find this information helpful & please help us spread the word so no one misses out!