Cancer Rehabilitation (Rehab)

Where is cancer rehab done?

Many cancer centers and hospitals offer cancer rehab services. They are most often given as an outpatient so you don’t have to stay overnight. If you have  advanced cancer or complex issues you might need  inpatient rehab at the hospital, a rehab center, or a long-term care center. This means you stay overnight or longer. Some rehab services can also be given in your home or done via telehealth.

Preparing for cancer rehab

Knowing what to expect as you begin cancer rehab can help you be more ready to get the most out of your sessions. Preparing ahead of time allows your rehab team to understand your needs and create a plan that works for you.

Before your first appointment

When you call to make your first appointment, ask:

• What should I bring, and what should I wear for my first appointment?
• Which rehab specialist will I see, and are they experienced in working with people who have cancer?
• What should I expect during the visit, including any physical activity or tests?
• How long will my appointment last?
• Will my insurance cover this visit, and will I need to pay anything out of pocket?

The clinic will probably ask you to fill out some forms either at home before your first visit, or when you arrive. These forms will ask about your cancer treatment, your overall health, and any symptoms or problems you’re having because of the cancer or its treatment.

In addition to filling out the forms, you might want to:

• Write down your goals for cancer rehab and share them with your rehab team.
• Make a list of questions you have about cancer rehab
• Ask someone to go with you so they can help you listen and take notes

At your first appointment

Your first cancer rehab appointment will be a full evaluation of your medical history and current problems. This is called a pre-treatment assessment.

You will be asked:

• What daily tasks (like bathing, dressing, or eating) are difficult for you?
• Are you having pain, fatigue, or weakness? If so, what helps or worsens these symptoms?
• Are you having trouble with thinking, memory, or multitasking?
• How are these changes affecting your life?  
• What do you hope to achieve with cancer rehab?

The rehab specialist will likely do physical exams and evaluations. Depending on the type of rehab you are getting, they may test your range of motion, muscle strength, or nerve function. They may also check your body for swelling or inflammation. During this appointment, you might also be asked to do things you do every day, such as walking or standing up from a chair, so they can evaluate how your body works.

By answering these questions and completing these examinations, you can help your specialist recommend the best exercises and treatments to help you. They will use this information to develop your rehab treatment plan.

Carrying out your rehab treatment plan

Your plan will be based on your personal needs and goals. It will be geared to the rehab you need and may include working with more than one specialist. Your rehab professional will share the plan with other members of your cancer care team.

Your rehab treatment plan will include:

• Recommended treatments like exercises and assistive devices. You may also work on relearning skills you’ve lost or learning new ways to adjust to changes in your body or environment.
• Treatment schedule, including how many sessions you’ll need[ and how long they will last. This schedule may change as you make progress.
• A plan to monitor your progress. Your rehab team will check how you’re doing and make changes as needed.

What to expect after a cancer rehab appointment

Many people leave their appointment feeling better than when they came in. However, you may feel sore or tired. If you feel too uncomfortable or are in pain, be sure to tell your rehab specialist.

Your rehab plan may include activities or exercises to do at home between appointments. Completing them will help you make as much progress as you can. If you have a chronic issue, the in-home plan may become a regular part of your health care.

What to expect after cancer rehab ends

Cancer rehab can improve your quality of life by helping you regain and maintain a productive and pain-free lifestyle. Talk with your cancer care team about restarting cancer rehab any time you notice a change in symptoms that:

• Makes you less active
• Keeps you from doing an activity
• Makes it hard to do everyday tasks

You can get cancer rehab services at any time after a cancer diagnosis, including after treatment is finished.