Occupational therapy forms an integral part of cancer care and rehabilitation.
With adults diagnosed with cancer, there is always an increased risk of functional decline due to frequent hospitalizations, which often leads to less tolerance towards continuing their treatment. It also impacts a lot of the patient's interpersonal relationships which often hampers their overall social interaction and functioning.
Occupational therapy helps to evaluate both the patient and caregiver burden so as to exactly optimize and overcome these functional deficits thereby helping you to overall improve the QUALITY OF LIFE.
When should you consult an OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
Lymphedema management post breast cancer diagnosis
When you have reduced mouth opening post oral cancer intervention.
Impaired functional independence and restricted movements of arms and legs post-surgical interventions in bone and soft tissue cancers.
Vaginal dilatation post cervical cancer interventions.
Fatigue management post chemotherapy
Loss of hand function, coordination, impaired mobility post brain tumor diagnosis.
Visual-aid rehabilitation post losing eyesight
When in need for splints, modified footwear for tightness post radiotherapy.
Optimizing and helping with general conditioning, providing alternative lifestyle modifications so that the patient is as independent as possible.
Scar and wound management.
Multiple techniques and tools are used in OT. But the gold standard rule in OT revolves around what is most important for the patient to achieve and overcome. Accordingly, the goals are set, thereby making it a very patient-centered therapy.