Strength Enables Strength

Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer in Australian men. Like many types of cancer, it comes with a host of negative physical and mental drawbacks. Notably prostate cancer impacts a man’s sense of identity, confidence, and ability to function in community settings, often leaving individuals to suffer in silence.

In the month of ‘Movember’, it is important to discuss the impacts of prostate cancer. Often, first line treatments like chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and hormone therapy (while understandably necessary) cause muscle weakness, reduced bone strength, and reduced libido for life in men. The ability to concentrate, sleep well, and control emotions are altered following medical interventions. Long term, relationships with loved ones can change.

While these treatment responses are common, they don’t have to be the daily bugbear for men in the community.

It is this positive thought that is driving local healthcare professionals to make a change for men living with prostate cancer in the Limestone Coast.

Currently, physiotherapists at Good Country Physiotherapy Naracoorte, in conjunction with the local prostate cancer nurse, are running weekly sessions giving capacity back to men with prostate cancer. Sessions include supervised group strength classes coupled with educational lessons informing individuals how they can optimise physical and mental health. The benefits of these sessions include:

• Improved strength and function: tailored strength training has been shown to reduce muscle loss, optimise bone health, balance sleep patterns, and improve quality of life. This is a main feature of the sessions. The environment is relaxed, but the work put in is serious.

• Enhanced knowledge: education surrounding exercise, nutrition, fatigue, pain, sexual and mental health improves understanding and identifies ways for individuals to optimise their care.

• Supporting relationships: individual voices in group settings is essential to give people suffering with prostate cancer permission to speak. In our experience, this is key for being a positive influence upon others and the best way to support individuals (and their families) living with prostate cancer.

• Improved quality of life: individual goal setting and motivation to achieve life targets helps men stay focussed on their healthcare, enhancing capacity in the community.

To learn more about how this program could benefit you or someone you know living with prostate cancer, call our Naracoorte clinic on 8762 1515 or visit www.goodcountryphsio.com.au today.