Exercise Physiology
for Cancer Rehabilitation
Exercise during and after cancer treatment is not something to avoid. It is one of the most evidence-based supportive care interventions available. We work with people at all stages of their cancer journey, from diagnosis through active treatment and into survivorship, to reduce fatigue, rebuild strength and improve quality of life.
Takes 60 seconds · No referral needed to start · Medicare rebates available
Exercise and Cancer
Exercise during cancer treatment is safe, beneficial and evidence-based.
The evidence base for exercise in cancer care has grown substantially over the past decade. Exercise during and after cancer treatment reduces cancer-related fatigue, improves cardiovascular fitness, preserves muscle mass, improves psychological wellbeing, reduces treatment-related side effects and in some cancers is associated with reduced recurrence risk. This is not supplementary wellness care. It is clinical medicine.
Cancer-related fatigue is one of the most important targets of exercise intervention. It is the most common and debilitating side effect of cancer treatment, affecting the majority of patients. Counterintuitively, the evidence consistently shows that exercise is more effective than rest for managing cancer-related fatigue. Rest worsens it over time by contributing to deconditioning. Exercise reverses the physiological drivers of fatigue while building the capacity to sustain daily life through and after treatment.
We liaise with your oncology team
Cancer exercise programming requires knowledge of your specific cancer, treatment regime, blood count status and any restrictions or precautions. We obtain this information before designing your program and communicate directly with your oncologist or treating team where clinically relevant. We do not operate in isolation from your cancer care.
What We Do
A program adapted to your treatment, your capacity and your goals
Cancer-related fatigue managementStructured aerobic and resistance exercise to address the physiological drivers of cancer-related fatigue. Exercise is more effective than rest for managing this debilitating side effect.
Muscle mass preservation during treatmentCancer treatment frequently causes significant muscle loss. Progressive resistance training during treatment preserves muscle mass, maintains strength and reduces the functional decline that accompanies deconditioning.
Cardiovascular fitness maintenanceAerobic exercise to maintain cardiovascular function during treatment and restore it post-treatment. Cardiovascular fitness is a strong predictor of treatment tolerance and recovery outcomes.
Lymphoedema-aware exerciseFor patients with or at risk of lymphoedema, we prescribe exercise within evidence-based guidelines that support lymphatic function without exacerbating swelling.
Neuropathy and balance managementChemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy is common and increases falls risk. We address balance, proprioception and gait specifically for patients experiencing neuropathy.
Bone health for hormone-depleting treatmentsHormonal treatments for breast and prostate cancer accelerate bone mineral density loss. We prescribe bone-loading exercise to mitigate this effect.
Psychological wellbeing through exerciseExercise during cancer treatment significantly reduces anxiety and depression, improves mood and supports a sense of agency and control at a time when much feels outside your control.
Coordination with your oncology teamWritten reports after every review. Direct communication with your oncologist, radiation oncologist or haematologist where clinically relevant. We are part of your care team, not separate from it.
Who We See
All cancer types and all stages of the cancer journey
Your Program
What to expect from your first appointment
Initial assessment
We review your cancer diagnosis, treatment history and current treatment, blood count status, any treatment-related side effects including fatigue, neuropathy and lymphoedema, and your current functional capacity. Bring your treatment summary or any letters from your oncologist if you have them.
Treatment-aware program design
We design a program that is appropriate for your specific cancer, your current treatment phase and your day-to-day capacity. Programs during active treatment are designed to be flexible, adapting to your treatment schedule and the variation in how you feel from week to week. Programs post-treatment focus on restoration and building.
Supervised sessions with ongoing adaptation
We supervise your exercise and adapt each session to how you are presenting on the day. Cancer treatment creates significant day-to-day variation in capacity. We respond to this without judgment, doing what is appropriate and beneficial on any given day rather than applying a rigid program structure.
Regular reviews with reports to your oncology team
Written reports are sent to your oncologist and GP after every review. We communicate any concerning changes in your function or capacity promptly. As your treatment phase changes, your program adapts accordingly.
Funding and Rebates
Multiple ways to fund your cancer rehabilitation
Medicare CDM Plan
Cancer qualifies under the CDM pathway as a chronic condition. Up to 5 subsidised allied health sessions per calendar year with an active plan.
Private Health Insurance
Most extras policies cover Exercise Physiology. Check your policy for your annual limit and rebate amount. Some policies have enhanced cancer-specific benefits.
DVA Gold and White Card
DVA Gold Card holders have all clinically necessary cancer rehabilitation sessions covered with no gap fee.
NDIS
Cancer rehabilitation Exercise Physiology may be funded under Improved Health and Wellbeing for eligible self-managed and plan-managed participants.
My Aged Care
Support at Home and CHSP packages can fund cancer rehabilitation Exercise Physiology for eligible older Australians.
Private
No referral needed. Book directly and pay privately. We can help you understand other funding options at your first appointment.
Common Questions
Cancer rehabilitation FAQs
Is exercise safe during chemotherapy or radiotherapy?
Yes, for most patients and most treatments. Exercise during active treatment has been studied extensively and is safe and beneficial across a wide range of cancer types and treatment regimes. There are specific precautions for certain situations including very low blood counts, bone metastases and specific treatment types, which is why we obtain your blood count status and treatment details before each session and design your program accordingly. We do not apply a generic program to cancer patients.
I am exhausted from treatment. How can exercise possibly help my fatigue?
This is the most common question we receive and the counterintuitive answer is supported by very strong evidence. Rest contributes to deconditioning, which worsens fatigue over time by reducing your physiological capacity to meet the demands of daily life. Exercise, even gentle exercise started at the right level, improves cardiovascular efficiency, preserves muscle mass and reduces the inflammatory mediators associated with cancer-related fatigue. We start exactly where you are and progress at a pace your body can manage.
I have lymphoedema or neuropathy. Can I still exercise?
Yes. Both conditions require specific exercise precautions and modifications but neither is a contraindication to exercise. For lymphoedema, we prescribe exercise within evidence-based guidelines that support lymphatic drainage without exacerbating swelling. For neuropathy, we focus on balance training, appropriate footwear and exercise that builds the strength and stability that reduces falls risk while working within the limitations of affected sensory pathways.
Do I need a referral from my oncologist?
No. You can book directly and be seen privately. We will ask for the name and contact details of your oncologist so we can obtain relevant clinical information and send progress reports. We actively seek to coordinate with your cancer care team rather than operating independently of it.
Can I attend via telehealth?
Yes. Telehealth is available for patients who are unable to attend in person, including those who are immunocompromised and need to minimise exposure, or those who are too fatigued to travel. Some early-stage rehabilitation benefits from in-person attendance for proper assessment and exercise supervision, but we will advise you on the best option for your current situation.
Exercise is part of your cancer care.
Book your first appointment or call us. No referral needed. We will meet you where you are and design something that works for your treatment and your life right now.
Start Your Plan (Book Your First Appointment)Takes 60 seconds · No referral needed · Medicare rebates available