Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Oncology Rehabilitation
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Oncology Rehabilitation for NHL
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) and its treatment can affect your physical functioning and energy. For instance, during NHL treatment, you may experience peripheral neuropathy and/or cancer-related fatigue, which can affect your ability to participate in your daily activities.
The oncology rehabilitation team at Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA)—including licensed physical, occupational, and speech therapists—can help you in the following ways:
- Overcome physical deficits (e.g., difficulty walking)
- Reduce pain
- Alleviate muscle discomfort
- Improve strength and endurance
- Promote coordination
- Resolve swallowing difficulties
Individualized Approach
Upon your arrival at CTCA and prior to your NHL treatment, you will meet with a rehabilitation therapist for a physical assessment. The assessment will evaluate functional deficits and needs. Then, together, you and your rehabilitation therapist will develop a rehabilitation plan based on your individual treatment goals.
Rehabilitation Therapies for NHL
The following are some of the rehabilitation therapies you may incorporate into your NHL treatment:
- Physical and occupational therapy: Exercise can help alleviate breathing problems, improve appetite, relieve constipation, reduce stress, and increase energy. Your rehabilitation therapist may suggest therapeutic exercises, as well as cardiovascular, flexibility and strength training.
- Auriculotherapy: Some NHL treatments cause side effects such as balance problems, nausea, shortness of breath, and fatigue. This non-invasive technique, which involves an electrical stimulation of the auricle of the external ear, can help alleviate some of these side effects.
- ReBuilder: Some NHL treatments may cause peripheral neuropathy (numbness, pain, and/or tingling in the hands and feet). This technique, which involves an electronic stimulation to the affected area, can help increase tactile sensory and awareness.
- Massage Therapy: This type of touch therapy can help restore a sense of harmony, relaxation and well-being during NHL treatment.
- Interactive Metronome: This series of computer-generated sounds to measure a rhythmic beat and response can be used to increase concentration and improve balance, function and cognition during NHL treatment.
- Speech and Language Pathology: Some radiation therapies for NHL may cause swallowing dysfunction, which can limit your ability to eat. A speech therapist will help you resolve swallowing difficulties and collaborate with your dietitian to thicken or puree food to a tolerable consistency.
- Lymphedema management: Some NHL patients may develop lymphedema, a condition in which excess fluid collects in tissue and causes swelling. Your rehabilitation therapist will work with the rest of your care team to help prevent or minimize lymphedema using specialized drainage techniques, stretching exercises and massages.
Collaboration With Your NHL Team
Throughout your NHL treatment, your rehabilitation therapist will consult regularly with the other members of your NHL care team to help improve your physical functioning and sense of well-being.
Our rehabilitation team also provides an educational component to help you understand the physical and psychological benefits of physical restoration, and to help prepare you and your family for continuing the program at home.
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