StrongerThan Cancer Physiotherapy

10/03/2025

❔Exercising with a PICC line 💉

An important question I often get asked by clients who are going through systemic anti-cancer treatment, such as chemotherapy or immunotherapy!

Exercising with a PICC line is safe and beneficial, with a few essential considerations:

✨ Check your medical team
✨ Don't exercise for 48 hours after insertion
✨ Start small and increase gradually
✨ Stop if any new discomfort or swelling around your PICC
✨ Avoid excessive pressure on your PICC, such as contract sports, heavy weightlifting or static holds - particularly if you are new to exercise.
✨ Seeking support from a specialised professional where needed

I have written a blog post, discussing this topic in more detail, which can be found on my website. If you have any questions, please comment below! 👇🏼

DM or email me at hannah@strongerthan.co.uk for further support - I would love to hear from you!

04/02/2025

🌍 Today is World Cancer Day 🌎

Cancer touches millions of lives worldwide, in countless ways. Today is an essential opportunity to raise awareness about cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment - but it is also a chance to bring attention to the unique and diverse impact cancer can have on each and every individual.

Over the next week I will be sharing inspiring stories from some of my clients, who have shown resilience, commitment and determination to overcome unexpected challenges,u achieving some incredible outcomes during and after cancer.

Each person's experience of cancer is very personal, which is why rehabilitation should be too.

To mark this important date, I am offering someone a free one-to-one online physiotherapy session (worth £135). This could be used yourself or it can be gifted to a loved one facing cancer.

To enter, please:

1) Follow

2) Like this post

3) Comment and/or tag someone below

4) For an extra entry, please share on your story!

Enter before midnight on Friday and the winner will be picked at random this Saturday!

25/11/2024

Cancer and Bone Health

There is a complex relationship between cancer and bone health! For some people, this is not an issue that causes much concern, whereas for others this may be a top priority.

Bone undergoes a constant state of remodelling - the skeleton is 'replaced' about every 10 years. There are many things that can affect the status-quo and when the equilibrium shifts, we can end up with a lower bone density. Cancer and its treatment can certainly contribute to this change in balance.

Fortunately, there are things we can do to proactively optimise and protect our bone health. I will make a separate post on this soon!

25/11/2024

✨Top tips✨ for supporting bone health with cancer 🦴

1. Exercise regularly: weight bearing is an essential aspect of bone health, as it stimulates bone regeneration in order to maintain density. Exercise routines should incorporate aerobic and resistance training. If you have bone pain, bone metastases or fractures, you will need to adjust your physical activity to reduce the impact through your bones, therefore getting advice from a qualified professional will be essential.

2. Optimise your calcium and vitamin D intake: diet and spending time in the sunlight are the most accessible ways to ensure you are getting the right vitamins for bone health. Speaking to your doctor or a qualified dietitian for personalised advice may also help to optimise your diet, lifestyle and medications.

3. Avoid substance abuse: Alcohol and smoking are both known to negatively impact the normal function of bone regeneration, therefore minimising your consumption can help optimise bone health. If helpful, speak to your GP or any trusted health professional who can signpost you to cessation support.

4. Take bone treatments (if applicable!): Your medical team will let you know if there are any medications that will be beneficial for your bone health, particularly if you have certain cancer diagnoses or are undergoing certain treatments. Bisphosphonates (such as zoledronic acid) targeted therapy (such as denosumab) and supplements (such as calcium) can help to maintain balanced bone regeneration.

5. Manage any contributing conditions: Taking into account any other health conditions you may have is important. Some conditions may directly impact bone health, such as hypothyroidism or diabetes. Other conditions may have a more indirect impact, such as Crohn's Disease reducing absorption of calcium, vitamins or medications.

If you have any other tips, advice or questions, please comment below or DM me!

25/11/2024

✨ Client Review ✨

Always delighted to receive my clients' feedback. It means the world to be able to to support people to stay strong in body and mind, throughout their cancer treatment.

25/11/2024

Chemotherapy Induced Peripheral Neuropathy ⚡

A common side effect of chemotherapy drugs, which can cause sensory changes and pain which may impact physical activity and ability to manage your daily tasks. For some people, this is manageable while for others it can be debilitating.

Getting the right help is so important. Physiotherapy and rehab after chemotherapy can help to improve outcomes and get you feeling more comfortable and confident again.

Swipe to learn more about CIPN and please comment or DM with any questions!

25/11/2024

📢 Big news! 📢

I've written my first ever e-book! ✨

So much love has gone into creating this resource for health professionals and students, looking to expand their knowledge and want to feel confident supporting people living with and beyond cancer.

I hope to create a safe space for health and social workers working in all specialisms to get curious about oncology and create positive ripples within our professional community.

Visit my website or follow link in bio to get your copy now!

Please comment or message with any questions 👇🏼

p.s. Keep your eyes peeled for the next instalment in 2025... 👀

06/11/2024

Medical jargon and terminology can be really confusing. As a patient, certain words may leave you with more questions than answers, about your own diagnosis and body.

With over 200 different cancer types, a student or health professional may also feel overwhelmed when starting out in oncology or interpreting the medical notes.

Understanding basic root words and suffixes can go a long way to help! This is a sneaky peek from my ebook which will finally be ready to download next week! 💫

22/04/2024

Shoulder pain is the third most common musculoskeletal complaint, presenting to physiotherapy in the UK.

Anyone can develop shoulder pain and dysfunction, although there are lifestyle and genetic factors that put certain groups at higher risk. It can vary from mild or severe and may affect all aspects of day-to-day life.

Cancer-related shoulder pain is more common in those who have had breast, lung or head & neck cancer. Research has found that up to 50% of people reported shoulder or arm issues, after breast cancer treatment.

Due to its anatomical complexity, there are extensive causes for shoulder pain and dysfunction (either cancer-related or generic). It is important to seek help from a physio or health-professional, as thorough assessment and accurate diagnosis is key to finding the best treatment options for you.

13/04/2024

Book a face-to-face appointment with me.

On Monday mornings, I am based in a beautiful clinic space in Bletchingley and offering in-person sessions to anyone needing cancer physio support in Surrey.

Set on a quiet farm space with private parking, it's a lovely change of scenery from the hospital. I love being able to meet my clients face-to-face and offer manual therapy, such as scar tissue management.

I continue to support most of my clients online, which is the bedrock of , allowing me to work with people from all corners of the UK and beyond. It also allows for safe, flexible appointments for anyone going through treatment, who may find face-to-face difficult (due to fatigue, risk of infection, breathlessness, travel, hospital appointments or other commitments)

If you would like to find out more, I would love to hear from you! ✨

www.strongerthan.co.uk
hannah@strongerthan.co.uk

21/03/2024

Struggling with cancer-related fatigue? Check out the top 5 tips from Hannah, Oncology and Palliative Care physiotherapist from StrongerThan Cancer Physiotherapy to help you navigate cancer-related fatigue.

Read more about cancer physiotherapy from Stronger Than - https://buff.ly/494Tcsl

27/02/2024

Lots of amazing things going on next month on Get Me Back! Looking forward to my Physio Clinic focusing on managing stiff shoulders and cording after breast treatment! 💪🏻🌸

This March it's time to 'Spring outdoors to move'.

Take your workouts outside this coming month and see how it feels. Book a daily walk and listen to the sounds of nature, breathe in the smells and look for the anticipation of a change in season.

We took on a similar theme as the seasons changed back in October and I saw so many of you taking your exercise outside - extending the summer a little longer.

So this March, why not be part of the anticipation for warmer times ahead?

I challenge you to complete 1x workout a week outside. Post photos of you exercising outside, and make sure to tag !

Also this month:
🌸International Women's Day - gifting a free breast cancer programme
🌸Physio clinic with Hannah () discussing stiff shoulder and cording
🌸Fortnightly yoga from the wonderful Marcia ()
🌸Strength and resistance and cardio classes every weekday (sometimes twice!)
🌸Blogs, posts and tips all relevant to life after a cancer diagnosis

If you'd like to join our community, sign up at www.getmeback.uk to join a LIVE class, membership, a structured programme or just for a chat. This community is just for women who have experienced a cancer diagnosis and is run by cancer experts.