Recovery and Weight Lifting
Patients suffering from mesothelioma sometimes experience insomnia, chronic fatigue, anxiety, and depression, among other secondary symptoms. These patients can also end up gaining considerable weight. However, by lifting weights just a couple times each week, they improve not only the way they feel, but they way they look as well.
With a physician’s approval, mesothelioma patients could resume a regular workout within 4 to 36 weeks after initial treatments. While each patient should consult with a physician and fitness trainer before engaging in any workouts, typical routines may include working the muscles in the back, arms, shoulders, chest, hips, thighs and buttocks. Patients should aim to meet twice weekly with fitness trainers who will encourage them to follow their specified program for at least three more months. Additionally, a medical or health expert should measure body fat, bone density and weight.
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Physical and Mental Health
Depression can be a large component of mesothelioma, as with any major health issue. Exercise is the subject of ongoing research to determine if certain activities can improve a patient’s mental and emotional health. As part of a healthy exercise routine, weight lifting may contribute to an overall sense of patient well-being, as well as help strengthen them for taxing treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation.
Licensed Trainers and Therapists
Patients who are battling cancer should not rush to get to a gym and do weight lifting on their own. Instead, they should look for qualified professionals to guide them through the process carefully with a customized program. There are guidelines available for review prior to getting started, these guidelines are suggested so that patients receive proper treatment and not get hurt in the process.
Recent studies build on previous work that shows that strength training if done slow and carefully can prove effective. Doctors and trainers must work together and assess the patient’s condition before hand. Patients are advised to seek the advice of a qualified therapist to determine if the weight training program they are involved in is safe.
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