Body – Looking after your physical wellbeing

At The Cancer Support Centre, everything we do is guided by our Four Pillars of Support: Mind • Body • Spirit • Community.

This blog focuses on Body and the importance of supporting physical wellbeing during and after a cancer diagnosis, as well as when caring for a loved one affected by cancer.

Cancer and its treatments can have a huge impact on your body. Fatigue, pain, reduced mobility, sleep difficulties and changes in strength or balance can all make everyday life more challenging. Looking after your body can help you feel stronger, more comfortable and more in control.

Physical wellbeing is not about pushing yourself or making dramatic lifestyle changes. Often, small, gentle steps can make a real difference.

Small Steps Matter

Simple daily habits can help support your body through treatment and recovery. Gentle stretching, short walks, fresh air and mindful movement can all help to:

• Ease tension and stiffness
• Improve flexibility and circulation
• Support energy levels
• Improve sleep
• Boost mood and confidence

Even five or ten minutes of a simple stretching routine each day can help. Move slowly, breathe deeply, and only do what feels comfortable for your body.

You could try this routine:

⒈ Shoulder rolls – 5 forwards, 5 backwards

⒉ Neck stretch – gently look left, then right, holding for a few seconds each side

3. Arm stretch – reach arms overhead and take a deep breath

⒋ Seated side stretch – raise one arm and lean gently to each side

⒌ Ankle circles – 5 each way on each foot

⒍ Sit to stand – slowly stand up and sit down 5 times if comfortable

Remember, every body is different. Listen to your body and rest when you need to.

Preparing the Body for Treatment

Physical wellbeing is also important before treatment begins.

Prehabilitation, often called prehab, focuses on helping people prepare physically and emotionally for cancer treatment. This may include:

• Movement – gentle activity to improve fitness, strength and stamina
• Nutrition – eating well to nourish and support your body
• Emotional wellbeing – reducing stress and helping you feel more prepared

It’s best to start prehabilitation as soon as you can after diagnosis. If you’ve recently been diagnosed, please do get in touch with us.

You will be able to book a 121 Prehabilitation therapy session to find out the things that will specifically help you get ready for treatment, or manage your treatment if you have already started.

Gentle Movement and Rehabilitation

Many clients tell us that after cancer treatment, their bodies no longer feel the same. Weakness, fatigue, pain, loss of balance and reduced mobility are all common.

Rehabilitation is about rebuilding strength and confidence at your own pace.

At the Centre, we offer some gentle movement groups that can support recovery, including yoga, Tripudio Movement and our walking group in Sutton Park.

Tripudio is a gentle form of exercise designed to support post-surgical rehabilitation, movement, balance and lymphatic flow. One of our clients, Alan, shared how much the sessions helped him:

“I am now feeling some return of the strength and movement I thought I had lost.”

Pain, Scars and Restricted Movement

Cancer treatment can sometimes leave lasting physical effects, including pain, scar tissue and restricted movement.

There are complementary therapies that can help ease pain and improve mobility.

We offer complementary therapies including:

• Aromatherapy massage
• Reflexology
• Acupuncture
• Scar Tissue Release Therapy
• EMMETT Therapy

Scar Tissue Release Therapy uses gentle manual techniques to help improve flexibility, reduce tightness and support movement. EMMETT Therapy is a light-touch technique to reduce discomfort and restore confidence in movement after surgery.

Our therapists also often see an emotional release alongside physical improvements.

Our Team

Karen, one of our therapists and Client Advocates, has been part of the Centre for 14 years. She supports clients throughout all stages of their cancer journey through therapies such as aromatherapy and EMMETT Technique, as well as helping clients find the support most suited to their individual needs.

As Karen says:

“I consider it a privilege to be able to help support individuals and their families as they face the challenges of cancer.”

All our Client Advocates take the time to understand each person’s individual situation and suggest the therapies and groups that will suit them best.

You Don’t Have to Face This Alone

Caring for your body is an important part of your wellbeing.

Whether you are newly diagnosed, having treatment, recovering afterwards, or supporting a loved one affected by cancer, we are here for you.

At The Cancer Support Centre, our aim is to help you be the best you can be today, tomorrow and moving forward. 💙