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FEATURE ARTICLE
Lou James (MNZM), Founder and CEO Pinc & Steel International I was passionate about becoming a Physiotherapist from the age of 15. I was seriously into sports and represented New Zealand at the Triathlon World Champs for the first time when I was 17. I really wanted to work with athletes to help them rehabilitate and become active again after injury. I started my own Physiotherapy & Pilates studio in Ponsonby when I was 25. However, it wasn't until I started helping people facing cancer that I really felt I was making the valuable difference to people's lives that had originally inspired me to become a Physiotherapist. Now in my forties I continue to be hugely motivated to help people affected by cancer and to teach other Physiotherapists how to use their skills to make a difference too. I founded Pinc & Steel International in 2008 and now our cancer rehabilitation education programs are being accessed by Physiotherapist’s in 11 countries. One of the most rewarding aspects of my work is hearing from the Physios we train about how our programs have sparked their passion for working in this rewarding field. The burden of cancer in our communities is enormous and for many, cancer is a chronic illness, with echoes that last long after treatment ends. It is exciting to see the advances in research over the past decade, particularly supporting the use of exercise training for this patient population. Emerging literature has addressed the effects of exercise-based rehabilitation programs along the continuum of the disease and this has rapidly progressed the role of physiotherapy in cancer. Photo credit: Lou James (PINC & STEEL Founder) running with breast cancer survivor Judith Ansell.
The primary focus of oncology medical professionals is to eliminate or control disease by suppressing cancer cell growth (chemo, radiation, targeted therapies or directly removing the tumour (surgery). These treatments are increasingly successful but they also damage ‘normal’ tissue. While oncology specialists seek the best possible outcomes, i.e. the absence of any residual cancer – this does not mean genuine, meaningful recovery is complete. The Cancer Rehab Physiotherapists’ focus is on supporting the whole patient, not just addressing their cancer. Exercise medicine is an emerging field in oncology with evidence demonstrating its use before treatment, during treatment and after treatment. CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE >>
