Oncology

Physiotherapy can be extremely beneficial for children and young people with cancer. Typical types of childhood cancer include leukaemia (ALL and AML), central nervous system tumours (including brain tumours), lymphomas, neuroblastoma, osteosarcoma, soft tissue tumours and renal tumours. The physiotherapist will provide support to the child and their family throughout their journey with cancer. Timely intervention is crucial, with early intervention maximising function and quality of life and minimising the detrimental effects of the condition and the medical treatment and minimising the detrimental effects of late effects. The physiotherapist will:

• Maintain/improve muscle strength
• Maintain/improve joint range of movement
• Maintain transfer skills and mobility
• Facilitate normal development
• Manage respiratory conditions
• Facilitate Neurological rehabilitation
• Manage amputees and prosthesis
• Manage peripheral neuropathy
• Assess and advise regarding equipment and orthosis