Podcast Episode 21: Cancer Rehab and Exercise with Lou James Part 2
Podcast Episode 21: Cancer Rehab and Exercise with Lou James Part 2
Complete Health Podcast: Cancer Rehab Part 2
In the second part of our two part chat with Founder and Director of Pinc and Steel Lou James, Reece and Helen talk to Lou about the side effects and experiences you can have during your cancer treatment journey and how a physiotherapists skill set can help.
In particular, they discuss the importance of looking at the whole picture and using exercise to improve the many facets of your lifestyle. This includes improving fatigue, strength and mobility.
What Our Experts Say
An important message from this episode is that cancer rehabilitation needs to remain responsive to the individual. Someone may be managing fatigue, reduced mobility, changes in strength or a combination of different treatment effects, and these can vary throughout their journey. Clinical Pilates allows us to adjust the position, resistance and range of exercises so that movement feels manageable, while still helping the person maintain their strength, confidence and independence.
Key Takeaways
- Cancer treatment can affect many areas of your life – Side effects may influence how you feel, move and manage everyday activities, so rehabilitation should consider your wider experience rather than focusing on one symptom.
- Cancer rehabilitation should look at the whole person – Understanding someone’s treatment, symptoms, lifestyle and personal priorities can help create a more relevant and individual approach to recovery.
- Physiotherapists can provide specialist support throughout the cancer journey – Their assessment and rehabilitation skills can be used to adapt movement around treatment side effects and changes in physical ability.
- Exercise can help manage cancer-related fatigue – Appropriate activity may provide a practical way to maintain function and support energy levels, even when exercise needs to be adjusted from one day to the next.
- Strength and mobility are important parts of recovery – Gradually working on these areas can help people continue with everyday activities and feel more physically capable during and after treatment.
FAQs
1. Can cancer treatment cause muscle weakness?
Yes. Cancer and its treatment can sometimes reduce muscle strength, particularly when fatigue or other side effects make it difficult to remain active. Gradual strengthening exercises may help you maintain everyday function, but new or worsening weakness should be discussed with your cancer team so the cause can be assessed and the activity adapted safely.
2. How much exercise should I do during cancer treatment?
There is no single amount that will suit everyone. What you can manage will depend on your previous fitness, treatment and how you feel that day. Short walks, gentle stretching or brief periods of movement can be a useful starting point, with activity gradually increased when appropriate.
3. When should exercise be modified during cancer treatment?
Exercise may need to be reduced or adapted if you have anaemia, a low platelet count, an increased risk of infection or treatment-related balance problems. For example, low platelets can increase the risk of bleeding or bruising, so activities with a risk of falling may not be suitable. Ask your healthcare team for advice based on your blood results and treatment.
4. Can I exercise if I have lymphoedema?
Yes. Appropriate exercise can form part of lymphoedema management by encouraging movement and helping you maintain mobility. The exercises should be introduced gradually and may need to be combined with other treatments, such as compression or specialist lymphoedema care.
5. How long do cancer-treatment side effects last?
This varies according to the treatment and the individual. Many side effects gradually improve after treatment finishes, but some can take weeks or months to settle. Other effects may continue for longer or develop months or years later, known as long-term or late effects. Tell your cancer team about symptoms that persist or appear after treatment.
Feeling Inspired?
If you want to experience the Complete difference and discover the benefits of one-to-one or small group Pilates, book a session at one of our London or Norfolk studios today. Not able to make it to one of our studios? We've got online options to suit you anywhere, anytime.
Our physiotherapist-led Pilates studio in Chelsea, our Angel Pilates studio, our Pilates studio in City, and our Norfolk Pilates studio in East Anglia, offer a highly tailored approach to your Pilates training. Whether your goal is to manage a health condition, rehabilitate from an injury or to improve your strength and fitness, Complete Pilates is the studio for you.
Education is Key
These blogs are designed to give information to everyone, however, it is important to remember that everyone is different! If you have not seen one of our therapists and have any questions about injuries, what you have read or whether this may be useful to you, please just ask. We are more than happy to help anyone and point you in the right direction. Our biggest belief is that education is key. The more you understand about your injury, illness and movement, the more you are likely to improve.
If you are not sure whether this is for you, simply get in touch. We are here to help!
Published 19 Apr 2023 · Updated 4 Aug 2026