By Dr. Sawssan Haidar Chulov – Founder & Medical Director of GetWell Centre

Through expert physiotherapy and medical massage, care and touch help relieve suffering, rebuild strength, and empower those facing cancer.

Cancer and its treatments, such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, can significantly affect a patient’s physical, emotional, and functional well-being. Alongside medical and oncological treatments, physiotherapy and therapeutic massage have become essential supportive therapies that help improve quality of life for people living with cancer.

Physiotherapy in Oncology Care

Physiotherapy plays a key role at different stages of the cancer journey: before, during, and after treatment. Its main goals are to maintain or restore physical function, reduce complications, and promote independence.

Physiotherapy can help with:

• Reducing pain and stiffness
• Managing cancer-related fatigue
• Improving mobility, balance, and muscle strength
• Preventing or treating lymphedema
• Supporting respiratory function
• Enhancing recovery after surgery

Individualized exercise programs and gentle manual techniques are carefully adapted to each patient’s medical condition, energy level, and treatment phase.

Therapeutic Massage and Cancer

When performed by trained professionals and adapted to the patient’s condition, therapeutic massage is safe and beneficial for many cancer patients. It does not treat cancer itself, but it offers significant supportive benefits.

Massage therapy may help:

• Reduce stress, anxiety, and emotional tension
• Alleviate muscle pain and discomfort
• Improve sleep quality
• Enhance circulation and relaxation
• Promote a sense of well-being and human connection

Special precautions are always taken, particularly in areas affected by tumors, recent surgery, radiation, or lymphedema.

Managing Edema and Supporting Recovery Through Nutrition

In many cancer patients, edema and lymphedema can develop as a result of surgery, radiotherapy, or lymph node involvement. Specialized physiotherapy techniques and medical massage play a crucial role in reducing swelling, improving lymphatic circulation, and preventing complications. When performed by trained professionals, these therapies help relieve discomfort, enhance mobility, and support tissue healing.

In addition, a balanced and healthy diet is an essential pillar of cancer care. Working with a specialized nutritionist helps patients meet their nutritional needs, maintain strength, support the immune system, and better tolerate treatments. Personalized nutritional guidance contributes significantly to overall recovery, energy levels, and quality of life.

A Holistic and Human-Centered Approach

Cancer care is not only about treating the disease; it is also about caring for the person. Physiotherapy and massage support patients physically and emotionally, helping them regain confidence in their bodies and improve their daily lives.

At GetWell Centre, we work in coordination with medical teams to provide safe, evidence-based, and compassionate supportive care for individuals affected by cancer.

Care, touch, and movement, helping those with cancer feel better and grow stronger.

On this World Cancer Day, we reaffirm our commitment to walking beside our patients, with professionalism, empathy, and hope.