Reclaiming Your Body After Cancer: The Role of Exercise and Rehabilitation

Cancer Treatment Is Only One Part of the Journey

Surgery. Chemotherapy. Radiotherapy. Immunotherapy. Hormone treatment.

Cancer doesn’t just affect the part of the body it targets—it impacts everything: strength, energy, confidence, movement, mental health.

Once the treatment phase ends, many people find themselves thinking:

“Now what?”

That’s where rehabilitation comes in. At Poseidon Performance, we work with clients recovering from a wide range of cancers—supporting them as they rebuild their bodies and return to the lives they want to lead.

Why Exercise and Rehab Matter During and After Cancer

It used to be thought that rest was best. But the research now shows:

Exercise during and after cancer treatment is not only safe—it’s one of the most effective tools to aid recovery.

Benefits include:

• Reduced fatigue

• Improved strength, endurance, and balance

• Better mental health and sleep

• Reduced treatment side effects (e.g. neuropathy, joint pain, swelling)

• Faster return to work, hobbies, and independence

• Improved long-term survival rates

And it’s not just about fitness—it’s about function.

Common Challenges After Cancer Treatment

No two cancer journeys are the same—but here are some of the most common physical and emotional issues we help people address:

• Profound fatigue

• Muscle loss and deconditioning

• Joint pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility

• Balance or coordination issues

• Post-surgical restrictions (e.g. lymph node removal, abdominal scarring)

• Neuropathy (numbness/tingling from chemo)

• Reduced cardiovascular capacity

• Weight gain or loss

• Loss of confidence and body trust

All of these are modifiable with the right plan.

The Poseidon Approach to Cancer Rehabilitation

We understand that post-cancer recovery is complex. That’s why our programmes aren’t cookie-cutter. Each person receives:

• A thorough initial assessment (strength, mobility, fatigue, and medical background)

• A tailored training plan based on their current abilities and goals

• Ongoing education and coaching to rebuild body awareness and confidence

• Adjustments based on treatment phases, fatigue levels, and healing timelines

• Collaboration with your healthcare team (if desired)

Whether you’re newly in remission, managing long-term side effects, or exercising through treatment—we meet you where you are.

Is It Safe to Exercise During Chemotherapy or Radiation?

Yes—with guidance. Movement during active treatment can:

• Improve energy levels and sleep

• Help manage nausea and mood

• Maintain muscle mass and reduce frailty

• Support immune function

• Improve tolerance of the treatment itself

But timing, intensity, and volume matter. That’s where professional oversight is key.

What About Lymphoedema, Ostomies, or Bone Metastases?

These conditions don’t exclude you from exercise—they just require specialist understanding and appropriate adjustments.

• Lymphoedema: Resistance training (with or without compression sleeves) has been shown to reduce risk and severity.

• Ostomies (stoma bags): Core strength can be carefully rebuilt without increasing hernia risk.

• Bone metastases: Modified loading strategies allow safe strength training even with bone fragility.

At Poseidon, we’ve worked with clients across all of these conditions—always with safety, science, and empathy at the forefront.

You Don’t Have to Do This Alone

Returning to exercise after cancer can feel intimidating. Your body may feel unfamiliar. Motivation may come and go. Energy can fluctuate.

That’s normal.

What makes the difference is:

• Having a plan

• Working with someone who understands rehab, not just fitness

• Seeing and feeling tangible progress—not just in strength, but in confidence, stability, and control

Our Promise: Strength Without Stigma. Progress Without Pressure.

We’re not here to “smash workouts” or pretend everything is back to normal.

We’re here to help you move forward, on your terms.

Whether you want to walk further without getting tired, lift your grandchild, return to rowing, or feel like yourself again—this is where it starts.

Ready to Rebuild?

If you’re in the South Hams or Dartmouth area, we offer:

• 1:1 clinical rehab sessions

• Specialist cancer recovery coaching

• Remote programming with video check-ins

• Collaborative care with your physio or medical team

👉 Book a consultation or get in touch today.

You’ve been through the hard part.

Let us help with the next.