A Warm Companion, Empowered by Movement – Rehabilitation and Exercise at the Fourth Department of Ra

A Warm Companion, Empowered by Movement – Rehabilitation and Exercise at the Fourth Department of Radiotherapy

Radiotherapy is a critical phase in the long journey of cancer treatment. While the radiation works to fight the disease, it can also leave patients feeling fatigued, experiencing muscle soreness, low mood, and reduced physical endurance. To help alleviate these radiotherapy‑related side effects, improve physical function, and boost both physical and mental immunity, our nursing team at the department has made it a daily practice to lead patients in standardized rehabilitation exercises. Through professionalism, patience, and compassionate companionship, we strive to empower every radiotherapy patient on their path to recovery.

At scheduled times each day, under the professional guidance of our nursing staff, patients step out of their rooms in an orderly manner and engage in a series of rehabilitation exercises tailored to their needs — including gentle stretching, neck and shoulder relaxation, limb function training, and breathing exercises. These movements are designed to be safe, gentle, and easy to learn, taking into full consideration the patients' reduced physical strength and limited tolerance. The exercises are carefully calibrated to avoid overexertion while promoting scientific, moderate physical activity.

Rehabilitation exercise is not only physical training — it is also a form of healing for the mind. The long course of radiotherapy can easily lead to feelings of anxiety, depression, and negativity. The relaxed atmosphere of group exercise helps patients step out of the isolation of the hospital room, offering mutual encouragement and companionship. The synchronized movements, soothing rhythm, and gentle guidance from the nursing staff help dispel the gloom of illness, allowing patients to regain confidence and find relaxation both physically and mentally.

Through daily adherence to these rehabilitation exercises, patients have experienced meaningful improvements in limb mobility, fewer radiotherapy‑related complications, enhanced physical resilience, reduced insomnia and fatigue, and improved emotional well‑being. This helps them approach treatment with a more positive mindset, supports better treatment adherence, and contributes to a higher quality of recovery.

Though each small effort may seem like a faint light, together they form a radiant glow. Through steadfast dedication and warm care, the nursing team of the Fourth Department of Radiotherapy remains committed to delivering treatment with precision, nursing with compassion, and rehabilitation with strength. By integrating rehabilitation guidance into every detail of daily care, we protect health with professional expertise, accompany patients with warmth throughout their treatment journey, and empower every patient to move forward with courage, steadily recover, and embrace a better quality of life.

Writer: Wang Hongmei

First Review: Yang Yang

Second Review: Guo Yishan

Third Review: Cai Qinghua

Gansu Wuwei Cancer Hospital (Wuwei Academy of Medical Sciences)

（甘）医广【2025】第11-14-387号