How to Manage Cancer Related Fatigue

Fatigue is among the most typical side effects of cancer and its treatment. The patient can go through physical, emotional and cognitive changes during treatment. These changes contribute to the sense of exhaustion, lethargy, weakness, insomnia and other body weaknesses. 

Factors such as current medication, emotional distress, pain and more will determine how a patient will approach fatigue management. Supportive care services can help to alleviate fatigue by addressing the underlying causes. Such services include:

Nutrition therapy – Nutritional deficiencies in cancer patients can cause fatigue. But they can be evaluated and managed by trained dieticians who will educate and recommend the appropriate diet to correct the deficits. Some of the diets include maintaining adequate hydration, protein and calorie intake which comprises of nutrient-dense foods and liquids, easy meals and snack ideas as well as food or supplements full of vitamins and minerals.

Chiropractic care – The pain cancer patients go through can cause sleeping disorders that compound fatigue. Chiropractic care providers can offer professional neuromuscular treatment to help patients with musculoskeletal stress. This will alleviate the pain and improve their quality of sleep.

Naturopathic medicine – It is an integrative care service that combines therapies that help treat the whole person and encourage a self-healing process. A naturopathic oncology provider works with the patient's oncologist during the cancer treatment process to help in managing fatigue and other side effects. The therapy options they offer include dietary supplements, golden root, essential oils and other medicine that will help the patient.

Oncology rehabilitation – This includes a range of therapies that help patients to build endurance and strength while maintaining the energy required to perform day-to-day roles, tasks, and responsibilities. They include physical therapy and occupational therapy, auriculotherapy, and manual therapy. Occupational and physical therapists will evaluate the patient and recommend appropriate activities that will help in their rehabilitation.

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