Exercise During & After Cancer Treatment in Perth
Individualised exercise rehabilitation during and following cancer treatment, with programs designed around treatment effects, fatigue, strength, cardiovascular fitness and physical function. Available in Murdoch and Subiaco
Exercise Rehabilitation Following Diagnosis and Treatment
A cancer diagnosis and its treatment can have significant effects on physical health and function. Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and other treatments can contribute to fatigue, loss of muscle mass and strength, reduced cardiovascular fitness, and a decline in overall physical capacity.
Exercise Oncology
A cancer diagnosis and its treatment can have significant effects on physical health and function. Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and other treatments can contribute to fatigue, loss of muscle mass and strength, reduced cardiovascular fitness and a decline in overall physical capacity.
Exercise provides a structured and individualised way to maintain and rebuild physical capacity during and after cancer treatment. Exercise is prescribed and progressed according to your diagnosis, treatment, symptoms, current fitness and any treatment-related limitations.
During treatment, the focus may be on maintaining strength, aerobic fitness, mobility and everyday function, while helping manage fatigue and other physical effects of treatment. As treatment progresses or concludes, exercise can be progressively developed through resistance and aerobic training to rebuild strength, fitness and physical capacity.
For people wanting to return to higher levels of activity, exercise can continue beyond the initial reco
What does exercise therapy actually help with?
Research supports the role of exercise throughout cancer treatment and recovery, with benefits including
Cancer-related fatigue: Exercise is one of the most effective non-drug strategies for managing cancer-related fatigue, both during and after treatment.
Treatment-related effects: Some cancer treatments can affect the cardiovascular system, lungs and other areas of physical health. Appropriate exercise can help maintain physical capacity during treatment and support recovery afterwards.
Muscle strength and physical function: Cancer treatment and periods of reduced activity can lead to a loss of strength and physical function. Resistance training can help maintain muscle strength during treatment and rebuild it during recovery.
Cardiovascular fitness: Aerobic exercise can help maintain cardiovascular fitness during treatment and rebuild fitness when treatment has finished.
Quality of life: Regular exercise can improve quality of life during and after cancer treatment, helping people remain active and independent.
Anxiety and depression: Exercise can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression associated with cancer and its treatment.
Maintaining muscle mass: Reduced activity, changes in appetite and the effects of treatment can contribute to muscle loss. Resistance training provides an important stimulus to maintain and rebuild muscle mass.
Long-term health: Remaining physically active after a cancer diagnosis is associated with better long-term health outcomes and, for some cancers, improved survival outcomes. The evidence is particularly established in breast, colorectal and prostate cancer.
Our Rehabilitation Structure
Initial Consultation
1 hour
Whether you're currently undergoing cancer treatment or have completed treatment, your initial consultation is an opportunity for us to understand your medical history, discuss any concerns you have about exercise and establish a suitable starting point.
We'll review your cancer diagnosis, current and previous treatments, medications, symptoms and any treatment-related considerations that may influence your exercise program.
Where clinically appropriate, your assessment will include an evaluation of your cardiovascular response to exercise, cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength and physical function. Testing will be adapted to your current health, treatment status and physical capacity.
Following your assessment, we'll develop an individualised exercise program based on your findings, treatment-related needs and personal goals. We'll also discuss how to manage your exercise as your treatment or recovery progresses.
What to Bring
Medicare card and private health insurance details
Relevant information about your cancer diagnosis and current or previous treatments, if available
Any exercise-related recommendations or restrictions provided by your treating medical team
A current list of medications
Comfortable clothing suitable for physical assessment
Please allow 45–60 minutes for your initial consultation.
Location
Murdoch Square
Subiaco
Subsequent Consultation
30 Minutes
Our follow-up consultations provide ongoing support with your exercise program, whether you're currently undergoing cancer treatment or recovering after treatment.
During each consultation, we'll review your progress, discuss any symptoms, fatigue or treatment-related challenges you've experienced, and adjust your exercise program according to your current physical capacity and goals.
You'll receive an individualised exercise program through our app, allowing you to follow your prescribed exercises, record your training and track your progress between appointments.
Consultations also provide an opportunity to adjust your training as your treatment or recovery progresses, helping you continue exercising independently with appropriate guidance.
Locations
Murdoch Square
Subiaco
Subsequent Rehabilitation session
45 Minutes
Our 1:1 rehabilitation sessions provide supervised exercise tailored to your current physical capacity, treatment status and personal goals.
These sessions are particularly suitable if you're new to exercise, have limited experience with strength training or would prefer hands-on guidance when starting your program.
We'll guide you through your prescribed exercises, focusing on appropriate technique, exercise selection and training intensity. Sessions can include both aerobic exercise and strength training, with adjustments made according to your symptoms, fatigue and response to exercise.
As your confidence and physical capacity improve, we'll help you develop the skills to continue exercising independently at home or at your own gym, with ongoing support available as needed.
Locations
Murdoch Square
Subiaco
If you're already undergoing cancer treatment, you may be experiencing fatigue, reduced strength or other side effects and wondering whether starting exercise now would make any difference.
Research shows that appropriately prescribed exercise during cancer treatment can help reduce cancer-related fatigue, maintain muscular strength and cardiovascular fitness, and improve physical function and quality of life.
Even if you've already experienced a decline in fitness or strength, exercise can still be beneficial. Your program can be adapted to your current physical capacity, symptoms and treatment schedule, helping you remain as active and physically capable as possible throughout treatment and recovery.
I’m already undergoing treatment; what good could exercise do?
It’s not just about fitness
Exercise during cancer treatment is not only about maintaining fitness. Research suggests it can help reduce treatment-related side effects, preserve physical function, and, in some cancers, may also be associated with lower recurrence and improved survival.
Have a Question About Exercise & Cancer?
Submit the form below to discuss your individual circumstances and how exercise may fit into your cancer care.
Every person's diagnosis, treatment history, symptoms and physical capacity are different. Whether you are currently undergoing treatment, have completed treatment, or are looking to rebuild your strength and fitness, we can help develop an exercise approach appropriate to you.