Help Patients Reap the Pain-Relieving Benefits of Exercise
For beginners, the key to establishing a long-term exercise routine is to start low and slow, said Dr. Ahmed. That is, start with low-intensity activities like walking (walking was the most common activity reported in the study) or using light weights. Then, build slowly from there.
Keep in mind that some pain or stiffness is normal at first, as one’s muscles and joints get used to the new activity. But be sure to investigate any new pain, Dr. Ahmed said. “Especially for patients who have had cancer, you want to see if the patient has any recurrence of disease,” Dr. Ahmed said. “That has to be kept in mind when you recommend any kind of exercise. “
It’s worth acknowledging that pain can be a significant barrier to exercise. If appropriate, you may consider referring out to exercise or physical therapy professionals in your network. Emphasizing the benefits of exercise — like the pain relief — may help motivate patients as well.
For Dr. Swain, encouraging exercise is less about prescribing specific quantities and more about helping patients find activities “that give them enjoyment, that they feel comfortable doing, and that they can sustain over time.”
“The field needs to consider the different ways of supporting physical activity after a cancer diagnosis and treatment,” Dr. Swain said. “We have a lot of great research that shows the benefit of physical activity but not as strong an understanding of how to encourage and support it.”
A version of this article appeared on Medscape.com.