Elbe Coetzer Inc.

29/04/2022

14/04/2022

5. General advice and motivation
• It is recommended to exercise daily for at least 30 minutes. Divide the 30 minutes into 3 sessions of 10 minutes each if necessary.
• If you don’t have time to exercise every day, try to exercise at least 5 times a week for 30 minutes.
• Remember to listen to your body. Each person is different! Exercise according to YOUR ability at THAT moment. Start slowly and steadily progress to the next level.
• Drink enough water and fluids.
• Rest between exercises if necessary.
• Little exercise is better than nothing.
• On days that you don’t feel like exercising – still do something – one normally feels better afterwards.
• Keep record of what kind of exercise you did, the amount, time or repetitions you did and how you felt during and afterwards. It will help motivate you on how much you already have improved.

Remember, it is a new you! Strive to find a new balance in life between rest, healthy eating, exercise, work, time out and spending time with loved ones.

13/04/2022

4. Precautions to remember while planning, pre- and during the exercise program:
• Level of muscle strength
• Amount of energy and level of tiredness
• Dizziness when in an upright position – rather exercise on the bed
• Shortness of breath – low intensity, easy exercises, breathing exercises. Must still be able to talk while exercising
• Heart rate – when high: circulation exercises, low intensity, breathing exercises
• Body temperature – when fever: circulation, low intensity, breathing exercises
• Receiving blood or platelets: exercise on the bed
• Low hemoglobin – low intensity, easy exercises, breathing exercises. Be aware of dizziness and feeling short of breath
• Low white blood cells: exercise in a “safe” place, where there is no contact with other people and possible infection hazards
• For the first six months after a stem cell transplant and when your white blood cell counts are low:
– Avoid public gymnasiums, rather exercise at home.
– Do not swim due to high infection risks.

08/04/2022

3. Why is an exercise program important?
• Improves circulation in the cardiovascular-, muscular-, lymph- and neural systems
• Maintain and build muscle strength
• Ease and prevent muscle cramping and soreness
• Improves nerve pain and par aesthesia (needles and pins)
• Improves joint and skin mobility and overall health
• Improves and maintains healthy body weight
• Weight bearing exercises stimulate increased bone density and health
• Improves emotional well-being – decreases depression and anxiety
• Regular exercising improves the immune system
• Improves hormone levels
• Builds overall strength, stamina and flexibility

07/04/2022

2. Factors influencing the deterioration of the above mentioned:
• The diagnosed illness
• Chemotherapy treatment
• Stem cell transplant
• Medication side effects (e.g. Cortisone)
• Prolonged bed-rest-periods
• Room confinement

06/04/2022

1. Factors that require regular and ongoing evaluation:
• Lung function and health
• Circulation in the limbs
• Muscle strength
• Muscle flexibility
• Joint mobility and health
• Fitness level - stamina
• Balance and proprioception
• Functionality

05/04/2022

Elbé Coetzer Physiotherapists forms part of the Albert Alberts Stem Cell Transplant Centre’s multidisciplinary team. We are a private physiotherapy practice, operating to support, improve, motivate and address every patient’s mobilisation and respiratory needs during, between and after their stay in hospital.

The physiotherapists of Elbé Coetzer Physiotherapy will visit and evaluate you on a regular basis and perform treatment as indicated and required. We are in regular contact with the doctors and the rest of the multidisciplinary team in order to stay up to date with your treatment plan and progress report.

30/01/2022

Welcome to Elbe Coetzer Inc. We are a physiotherapy practice specializing in the rehabilitation of patients going through cancer and other haematological illnesses.
Our aim is to improve our patients quality of life and improve their ability to perform all activities of daily living while being mindful of all the challenges they may face along the way.