Sarah O’Neill is one of our Senior physiotherapists who has undergone specific training in cancer rehabilitation and scar therapy.
“In recent years, cancer survival rates in the UK have seen significant improvements. Currently, around 50% of people diagnosed with cancer survive for 10 years or more, a substantial rise from just 24% in the 1970s. However, surviving cancer is just one part of the journey. Many patients face long-term physical and psychological challenges that can affect their quality of life. This is where physiotherapy emerges as a crucial, empowering tool in oncology care.
Physiotherapy offers structured, personalised support that helps cancer patients regain physical strength, reduce fatigue, enhance mobility, and regain independence. Whether during or after treatment, tailored physiotherapy interventions can dramatically improve both physical function and emotional well-being.
One of the most common side effects experienced by cancer patients is cancer-related fatigue (CRF), which affects up to 80–90% of patients during treatment and persists in up to 50% of survivors. Physiotherapists use graded exercise therapy to help patients rebuild stamina safely. Evidence from Macmillan Cancer Support and NHS England shows that physical activity can reduce cancer-related fatigue by up to 40%, making it one of the most effective non-medical interventions available.
In the UK, over 2 million people are living with or beyond cancer, and that number is expected to rise to 4 million by 2030. Many of these individuals experience lasting side effects from surgery, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy—including muscle weakness, joint stiffness, reduced cardiovascular fitness, and neuropathy. Physiotherapy can address these issues through mobility training, strength exercises, and balance work, enabling patients to return to daily activities and even employment.
The mental health benefits of physiotherapy are equally profound. Research shows that regular physical activity reduces anxiety and depression in cancer patients, enhancing confidence and control. Group-based physiotherapy or exercise classes can also reduce isolation and build community—a vital component of holistic recovery.
Importantly, the NHS Long Term Plan highlights the need for personalised cancer care, which includes rehabilitation and support services. Pilot programmes across England are integrating physiotherapists into oncology teams earlier in the patient journey, with promising outcomes. For example, patients who received prehabilitation—targeted physiotherapy before starting treatment—reported faster recovery, shorter hospital stays, and improved tolerance to chemotherapy.
Organisations such as Macmillan, Cancer Research UK, and the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy are championing access to rehab services for all cancer patients. Free online resources, telephone helplines, and in-person programmes are increasingly available, empowering patients to take control of their recovery.
In conclusion, physiotherapy is not just a supportive treatment—it’s a powerful catalyst for healing and hope. Enhancing strength, mobility, and mental well-being enables cancer patients to lead fuller, more independent lives. As survival rates continue to rise, integrating physiotherapy into routine oncology care is not just beneficial—it’s essential.
Please get in touch to have an informal discussion with Sarah about your needs and find out how she may be able to help you navigate the physical elements of cancer prehabilitation, cancer treatment, post-treatment/surgery rehabilitation and cancer with a terminal diagnosis.”
Scar treatment is available at our Wilmslow clinic, with Senior Physio Sarah O’Neill. Book online and write ‘scar treatment’ in the comment box, or call us to book.