When people think about cancer rehabilitation, they often think about fatigue, nausea, or deconditioning. When they think about bone health, they might picture osteoporosis, ageing, or calcium. But what happens when these two worlds collide?
At Specialised Health, we see it all the time. As Exercise Physiologists, we know that treating the whole person means understanding how cancer, its treatments and bone health are deeply connected. This bone action week (Oct 12th-20th), we thought it was a link worth highlighting.
The Overlooked Impact of Cancer on Bone Health
Many cancer treatments, including chemotherapy, hormone therapy, corticosteroids and radiation, can accelerate bone loss. Early menopause, low testosterone, inflammation and extended periods of inactivity also contribute. The result? Many clients face reduced bone mineral density (BMD), osteopenia, or osteoporosis, on top of an already tough cancer journey, often without realising it.
Fracture risk becomes a serious concern. Especially when paired with cancer-related fatigue, reduced coordination, or long-term corticosteroid use. These complications often go undetected until it’s too late, until a fall or fracture halts progress, affects confidence, or delays return-to-work.
What Exercise Actually Does for Bone Health
Exercise is one of the few things that can directly stimulate bone formation.
Bone tissue is living and responsive. When loaded appropriately (through resistance, weight-bearing, or impact), the stress stimulates osteoblast activity, the cells that build bone. This leads to:
- Improved bone mineral density
- Increased muscle mass to support the skeleton
- Better balance and coordination
- Lower risk of falls and fractures
But not all exercise is created equal, and not all exercise is safe for those with compromised bone health or cancer, let alone both.
The ‘Physiology’ in Exercise Physiology
We’re more than movement coaches. EPs are university-qualified clinicians trained in pathophysiology, biomechanics and chronic disease management. We assess how chronic illness, medications and systems interact, and prescribe movement tailored to that unique picture. For clients affected by both cancer and bone loss, we:
✅ Design bone-loading programs that are safe and progressive
✅ Educate clients on why we do what we do, empowering them to trust the process
✅ Modify exercises based on fall risk, fracture history and pain
✅ Balance the intensity of rehab with cancer-related fatigue or comorbidities
✅ Work in alignment with medical teams and RTW goals
Not only do we understand the physiology ourselves, but we aim to gently educate our clients too. Many who have never been told what’s happening to their bones, or how treatment affects them. We make sure they understand why their program is structured a certain way, what symptoms to look out for and how to build confidence again.
Bone Health Matters in Return-to-Work
From a rehabilitation lens, a fragility fracture can be devastating. It can delay work readiness, reduce independence and set progress back weeks or months.
For our referrers and case managers, this is a crucial consideration:
- Delays to return-to-work timelines
- Reconditioning setbacks
- Psychological toll, loss of confidence, increased fear
- Higher risk of secondary injuries or complications
Our job is to identify these risks early, integrate safe strengthening strategies and keep clients moving forward, not backward.
Final Word: A Whole-Person Approach
Bone health and cancer may seem like separate concerns, but in our world, they’re tightly intertwined. This Bone and Joint Action Week, we’re reminding our community that the skeleton matters, especially in chronic illness.
If you have a client navigating cancer recovery, fatigue, fracture risk, or work readiness, refer to an Exercise Physiologist. We’re here to help them move safely, rebuild strength and return to life.
Author: Tessa Nielsen
#exercisephysiology #exerciserehab #rehabilitation #lifeinsurance #incomeprotection #ctp #workcover #mobile #mobileexercisephysiology #fatigue #mentalhealth #cancer #musculoskeletal #injury #pain #physio #physiotherapy #Sydney #Brisbane #Melbourne #Adelaide #Auckland #Waikato #BayofPlenty #Wellington #Otago #Christchurch
