Everybody meet Rob.

Rob was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer in early 2018, at 69 years old. I first met Rob in February 2018 when he attended for an Exercise Physiology assessment to commence an exercise program to accompany his treatment, as advised by his oncologist, Dr Cooray. Rob’s treatment plan involves both hormone replacement therapy and chemotherapy, which both have several physical effects on the body (including fatigue, nausea, reduction in bone density, and more), and can be mentally challenging to get through.

Since February, Rob has completed 4 out of 6 rounds of chemotherapy. Rob has 3 weeks of chemotherapy and then one week off, so his energy levels, fatigue and nausea vary throughout this time. However, despite how he is feeling and with a bit less hair, Rob is a regular face in the gym, attending 2-4 times per week to complete a program consisting of both strength and aerobic exercises. Rob completes his exercises independently, however, under the guidance of Exercise Physiologists, his program is changed regularly, and altered depending on how he is feeling on the day. While Rob will admit he has missed a day or two here or there, he feels that his exercise program has contributed greatly to how he feels both physically and mentally, and always feels better after leaving.

Having been a keen marathon runner back in his golden days, Rob has always loved exercise and appreciates all the benefits it provides. But after his diagnosis, Rob says one of the best parts of being able to exercise is the control it allows him to have on his own health. In Rob’s own words: “in a world where you have a life threatening disease, and are constantly being told what to do and where to go and what time to be there and what treatment you’re having, I am in control of my exercise, and that is empowering”.

It is an absolute pleasure looking after Rob in the gym, who is always keen for a chat and a joke or up for a challenge. Keep up the great work Rob, you are a superstar and an inspiration to all of us!

Axillary web syndrome (also known as cording) can occur in the days, weeks or in some cases months following a mastectomy, axillary surgery or clearance. It is believed to be caused by the trauma to the connective tissue that encases the blood vessels, lymph vessels, nerves and muscles in the axillary (armpit).
This trauma creates tension which clients often describe cording as a ‘tight band running down from the armpit into the inner arm’ and is often identified when moving the arm overhead where a visible cord/band can be seen

How can an Exercise Physiologist help

An Exercise Physiologist can assist in the development of a suitable mobility exercise program designed to resolve and treat the cording. An initial assessment is conducted to gather all relevant information regarding your treatment and recovery and a mobility-based home exercise program is prescribed and demonstrated. For best results the programs are best to be performed daily and regular reviews with your EP are encouraged to monitor progress and gradually increase your exercise.

Treatment methods for cording

There are a number of different methods used to treat cording, depending on the severity of the cording a client may require one or all of the following treatments;

• • Mobility exercises to improve the tissue health in the axillary (armpit), thoracic (upper back), pectorals (chest), biceps, triceps and forearm, a few examples are shown below
  • Massage
  • Laser treatment from a lymphoedema practitioner

Fortunately for most clients with a few sessions of exercise, massage and laser if required, their cording resolves, however it is recommended that all clients with a history of cording continue to regularly practice their mobility exercises to prevent any further issues in the future.

How can an Exercise Physiologist help

An Exercise Physiologist can assist in the development of a suitable mobility exercise program designed to resolve and treat your cording. At the completing of your initial appointment you will have been instructed on how to complete your individually tailored exercise program and be asked to completed in an intensive block of daily exercises for a prescribed period of time, e.g. 2 weeks. Following this you will be asked to attend for a review to check the progress and increase your exercise program as able.
If you are interested in further information on how Exercise Physiology at Strong & Stable can help you please call us on 9762 0976.

References
1. https://www.cancercouncil.com.au/breast-cancer/after-cancer-treatment/cording/
2. http://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/side_effects/aws