22 Comments / By / June 13, 2024

Swimming and the Cancer Patient

Living with and through cancer is probably one of the top traumatic experiences for a person to endure. How do they heal? There are numerous ways and options.

 

I will focus on swimming, which is a gentle and effective form of exercise that offers several benefits for cancer patients and survivors. The calming effects of water and the repetitive nature of swimming strokes can help alleviate anxiety and promote relaxation.

In This Article

 

  • My Sister’s Story
  • Exercise During Cancer
  • Therapeutic Swimming
  • Benefits of Swimming
  • Swim Exercise Drills
  • Bottom Line

My Sister's Story

My sister was diagnosed with Her2-positive, breast cancer last year. For eight months she underwent intensive treatment that included chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation.

 

Her treatment plan will continue for the next five years in the form of oral and injectable medication. Some of the side effects of these medications include fatigue, sweating, and joint pain. How does she cope and find relief?

Aleksandra, breast cancer survivor with her family during treatment
My Sister, Me and Step Mom

My sister is very active and has been working out regularly for most of her adult life. She’s a runner and lifts weights. This lifestyle helped her tremendously during chemotherapy and radiation.

 

However, the injectable monoclonal antibody drug called Trastuzumab or Herceptin includes many severe side effects such as heart palpitations, breathlessness, diarrhea, and joint and muscle pain. My sister suffers from the latter two.  

 

“For someone who is used to (and loves!) lifting heavy weights, this physical limitation takes a tremendous toll on my mental wellbeing. Will I ever again be able to do a 200-pound deadlift, bench press 120, or squat 180? The road back feels insurmountably long and frankly, sometimes impossible. I NEED to move and build muscle, but I feel as though I am trapped in a catch-22: If I strength train the way I used to, my body hurts. But if I don’t strength train, how will I regain my power,” said Aleksandra Anderberg (my sister, diagnosed September 2023 with HER+ positive breast cancer) 

Exercise During Cancer

In the past, breast cancer patients were routinely instructed by medical teams to rest and not exert themselves during and after cancer treatments including surgeries, chemotherapy, and radiation.

 

However, in the last 10 years medical specialists have recommended that cancer survivors should be as physically active as their abilities and conditions allow.  As more studies are focusing on this population, more and more evidence contradicts earlier recommendations of being inactive post-cancer treatment. My sister can testify to the importance of staying active pre-, during, and post-cancer.

 

“Some days were of course harder than others to get to the gym as I got further into treatment, but the cheering on, love, and support that I received from both my trainer and gym buddies, made it worth my while every time. Some sessions I could barely get a 40 lbs barbell off the floor, but hey – I was there,” said Anderberg.

 

Physical exercise brings improved cardiovascular health, muscle strength, flexibility, reduced stress and anxiety, and enhanced overall quality of life.

Woman in pool working out enjoying her time in the water

Therapeutic Swimming

Therapeutic swimming has gained significant attention in recent years. The buoyancy of water provides a low-impact environment that reduces stress on the body’s joints, making it an ideal activity for those who may be experiencing physical limitations due to cancer treatments.

 

Therapeutic Swimming can be done in a variety of ways, including swimming laps, water aerobics, and water walking. Specific exercises and activities can be tailored to focus on areas of the body affected by cancer, such as the arms and shoulders for breast cancer patients or the lower back for those with prostate cancer.

 

Other options include programs offered by hospitals, cancer centers, and specialized aquatic therapy centers. Each program may offer unique features and benefits, so it’s important for patients to research their options and find the program that best meets their needs.

 

Several cancer programs in the United States incorporate therapeutic swimming as a key role in their comprehensive approach to cancer care. Their therapeutic swimming programs are designed specifically for cancer patients, incorporating various exercises and techniques to improve physical, mental, and emotional well-being. To learn more about therapeutic swimming for cancer patients you may find resources on this site

Benefits of Swimming

There are so many benefits of swimming for cancer patients. Some of these include stronger muscles and a healthier heart, both of which may have weakened during cancer diagnosis and treatment.

 

Swimming can help increase cancer patients’ mitochondria, red blood cells, capillaries, and blood volume, leading to increased oxygen delivery to their organs.

 

Swimming also leads to increased appetite, which is especially beneficial for patients who felt too ill to eat during chemotherapy and/or lost a lot of weight; and increased white blood cell production.

 

Finally, swimming can provide mental and emotional benefits for cancer patients. Immersing oneself in water can have a calming effect, reducing feelings of anxiety and depression. Working out in the water can boost self-esteem and confidence, as patients see improvements in their physical abilities and overall well-being.

Swim Exercise Drills

There is mounting evidence that resistance training improves healing for breast cancer patients. So how does swimming fit into this equation of rehabilitation and healing for the injured chest or arm muscles? The simple act of moving through the water provides a form of gentle stretch and resistance.

 

During the freestyle stroke, the patient can initiate a controlled functional stretch. This action helps to strengthen and elongate the damaged muscles, which can help heal old injuries. Whether the patient is recovering from breast-altering surgery or lymph node removal, gentle stretch and resistance exercises help to improve strength and flexibility.

 

Furthermore, the horizontal posture of the swimmer results in moderately increased stroke volume, improved cardiac output, and lower heart rates. Also, because the swimmer is not fighting gravity, an increase in exercise-related blood pressure does not occur. You may find specific swimming drills geared to cancer patients in this article

Bottom Line

Aleksandra Anderberg after breast cancer treatment, on her helping journey
My Sister Enjoying Life!

Swimming is an excellent source of aerobic activity that uses the resistance of the water for the swimmer to move through. Therapeutic swimming can provide numerous benefits for cancer patients, including improved physical function, pain management, and emotional well-being.

 

The first step is to consult with your doctor to determine if swimming is a safe and appropriate option for you. They can also help you identify any specific needs or concerns that should be addressed in your swimming workouts.

 

I hope swimming becomes a part of your recovery journey and that you may find joy and healing in the water.

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