May, 22, 2024.- Oncological physiotherapy is a speciality that treats the effects of an oncological process, whether due to surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy, for example. The main objective is to improve the quality of life of patients. However, the task of an oncological physiotherapist goes beyond treating the effects of the illness; there is also an important role in education, prevention and monitoring. In the case of children, the challenge is multiplied. “Our aim is for them to be children again. They are children with an illness, but they are still children. Our goal is for them to be able to return to their day-to-day lives in the best possible condition”, explains Alex Montesinos, a physiotherapist specialised in oncology who collaborates with the Xana Foundation.


What is oncological physiotherapy?


Oncological physiotherapy is a branch of physiotherapy that treats patients who have been diagnosed with cancer, regardless of the type of cancer and what stage they are in the illness. The most common thing we think of when we talk about oncological physiotherapy is treating the effects of the oncological process. This is correct, but this part of the treatment is just one of the four fundamental pillars of oncological physiotherapy. We devote a considerable amount of time to a correct assessment of the symptoms, the physical condition of the patient, their functional status, and the general and specific effects that may exist, along with the needs of the person. We also dedicate time to educating and preventing the after-effects of the treatments they undergo or may receive. We provide advice on the treatment they will receive, promoting a healthy lifestyle and encouraging both the patient and their family to play an active role in the recovery process.


How can oncological physiotherapy help during the stage of the illness? What are the main benefits?


Physiotherapy allows you to receive help before, during or after the oncological process, regardless of age, the type of cancer, the treatment received and any present or future effects that may appear. A personalised treatment for each patient helps improve strength, resistance, stability, coordination, mood, function and pain, among other elements. In short, physiotherapy is beneficial directly to the patient and indirectly to the family, thus improving the quality of life of children or adolescents so that they can laugh, enjoy the moment and be with their family and friends again.


What does oncological physiotherapy provide for children in particular?


They are children with an illness, but they are still children. Our goal is for them to be able to return to their day-to-day lives in the best possible condition. We try to make it a comfortable and humane treatment that is at the same time fun and enjoyable, regardless of age.


When did you specialise in children’s oncological physiotherapy and why?


I started looking into it in my third year of university. Initially, I entered sports physiotherapy. But my mother worked as a nurse in the children’s oncology department of a hospital. This led me to think about whether physical therapy could be useful in this setting. On the other hand, I had always worked with children, as a camp monitor, judo teacher… I have always loved being with children and teenagers… I had always worked with healthy children and I wasn’t sure if I would be able to do it with children who were ill. That is why I volunteered for three years at the Vall d’Hebron children’s oncology ward, to find out if I could do it. And I surprised myself. Not only was I capable, but I saw that the children and teenagers were smiling, and together we had more fun and happy moments than sad ones, even though (I can’t deny it) I found the first day very hard. Thanks to being drawn to this speciality, throughout my degree I worked and researched information on physiotherapy in the field of paediatric oncology. I had already completed my final degree project on the benefits of physiotherapy and exercise for hospitalised childhood cancer patients. Later on, I trained in oncological physiotherapy in adult patients, oncogeriatrics and paediatric oncology.


What is a children’s session like?


The first thing we do is talk to the child and the family, and then a specific assessment of the effects and a general assessment of the child’s physical condition are carried out. If necessary, a mapping of the pain or these effects is then carried out. Our priority is to reduce pain and improve function, giving the patient a better quality of life. Afterwards, we begin the more specific treatment of the affected muscles and/or structures. Afterwards, a brief reassessment can be done to see if there is any improvement in strength, stability, mobility… Finally, some simple advice is given to the family so that they can work throughout the week with their son or daughter, thus improving their function on a daily basis.

Is this service available to everyone?


Nowadays, unfortunately, it is difficult for children to receive this type of service outside the hospital with optimal frequency. When the patient leaves the hospital, they don’t receive the same degree of follow-up as when they are admitted. If the family decides to go to rehabilitation privately, each rehabilitation session costs approximately €40 or more, making it difficult to attend with regular frequency if the family cannot afford it. That is why the figure of the physiotherapist is so important in associations and foundations. Unfortunately, despite the benefits they provide and the improvement in the quality of life of children and teenagers, there are still shortages of physiotherapists in the third sector. Even so, it makes me very happy and excited that the Xana Foundation has someone, and that that someone is me.