Physical therapy can benefit people who have an aggressive form of brain cancer called glioblastoma multiforme, or GBM. This fast-growing cancer can occur in both adults and children. GBM occurs more frequently in adult men than women, but it appears with equal frequency in both young boys and girls. If you have glioblastoma multiforme, a physical therapy program can help improve your mobility and subsequent ability to function.
Glioblastoma Multiforme
Glioblastoma multiforme, a common type of primary brain tumor, arises from the cells of the brain itself -- instead of spreading, or metastasizing, from other areas of the body. GBM begins in astrocytes, star-shaped brain cells that play a role in nourishing and protecting neurons, or cells that send and relay messages in your brain. GBM, the most invasive type of brain tumor -- classified as a grade IV tumor -- spreads and grows rapidly. It produces various symptoms, including weak muscles and difficulty with motor functioning on a day-to-day basis. A physical therapy program can help strengthen your muscles, improve coordination and increase your mobility skills, according to doctor of occupational therapy Mary Car-Blanchard.
Physical Therapy Aspects
A physical therapy program may be initiated after surgery to help improve your ability to move and function independently as much as possible. Treatment for GBM usually begins with surgery. After your surgery, you may go directly home or remain in the hospital for physical therapy exercises to help optimize your strength before returning home. A physical therapist may use standardized tests to evaluate your level of muscle strength, coordination, stamina and ability to perform daily living skills such as getting in and out of bed and getting on and off a chair. After your evaluation, she will recommend the accurate amount and types of exercises needed to improve your safety, independence and mobility.
Rehabilitation Phases
Your physical therapy program for improving the symptoms of glioblastoma multiforme may include one or more of the four phases of rehabilitative therapy, according to a report featured in the May 2002 edition of the journal "Physical Therapy." The preventive phase provides early intervention and educates you in ways that may -- in some cases -- inhibit growth and reduce the physical effects of your brain tumor. The restorative stage helps you return to normal function as much as possible. During the supportive phase, you learn effective and safe ways to eat, bathe, dress, toilet and groom yourself. The final rehabilitation stage, or palliative phase, occurs in the terminal stage of your disease and instructs you in ways to remain comfortable and maintain your independence to the greatest extent possible. This phase also relies heavily on family assistance.
Physical Therapy Methods
A physical therapist can provide you with activities, exercises and suggestions that may facilitate your mobility. For instance, he may have you perform certain exercises to strengthen your muscles and promote your ability to walk or instruct you in the most effective and safe ways to use assistive devices such as canes, wheelchairs and scooters. Your physical therapist may also teach you how to instruct others to help you move safely. If you cannot move one of your arms or legs, he can show you how to safely exercise your affected limb to improve circulation, reduce swelling and increase muscle health. In addition, therapeutic modalities such as heat packs can be used in conjunction with stretching or therapeutic massage to help alleviate tight and pained muscles and promote movement. Other techniques that target specific muscles for treatment include vibration and electronic nerve stimulation.
References
- "Physical Therapy"; Brain Tumors; Christina I. Hill, et al.; May 2002
- Children's Hospital Boston; Glioblastoma Multiforme; 2010
- American Brain Tumor Association; Helping People Live Better with the Diagnosis of a Brain Tumor: Physical Therapy; Mary Car-Blanchard, Ph.D.; 2007
- Massachusetts General Hospital; Glioblastoma Multiforme and Anaplastic Gliomas: A Patient Guide; John W. Henson, M.D.; 1999
- Advanced Psychological Assessment, P.C.; Brain Tumors and Cancer; Shahal Rozenblatt, Ph.D.; 2006
