I once had a patient who declined a blood transfusion for religious reasons. His hemoglobin was too low for exercise, yet the he wanted to get stronger. Are there any exceptions to the hemoglobin rules for exercise?
Answer
Absolutely. In one of the hospitals where I work, they do have bloodless treatment options. Sometimes the patients receiving them have very low blood values, but want to exercise. Exercising these patients must be considered on a case by case basis, and you need to confer with the doctor. We do see patients exercising with very low values. I do not think that there is any evidence out there which states the effect of this form of treatment. If patients are opting against blood transfusions, and they are still functioning in the world, meaning that they are not in bed and are doing some forms of activity, sometimes pushing the envelope might make them feel better. Again, you would need to clear that with their doctor.
Andrea Branas, PT, MSE, MPT, CLT
Andrea Branas is a lead physical therapist at Good Shepherd Penn Partners in Philadelphia, PA. Andrea works in the Abramson Cancer Center at the University of Pennsylvania Health System providing patient care, education, leadership and training in the area of cancer rehabilitation. Andrea’s areas of clinical expertise include lymphedema, pelvic floor rehabilitation, breast cancer rehabilitation and exercise for cancer related fatigue. In her current role, Andrea uses her expertise to help cancer survivors reach their physical potential by promoting rehabilitation starting at the time of cancer diagnosis. She is currently a collaborator on an NIH Funded Dissemination grant to look at strength training for survivors of breast cancer. Andrea has served as a guest lecturer for women’s health and cancer content at Arcadia and Widener Universities and the University of Medicine and Dentistry in New Jersey DPT programs. Andrea received her Masters degree in Physical Therapy from the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia in 1998 and her Master’s of Science in Engineering degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 1991. She is currently working towards her transition DPT at Arcadia University.
Related Courses
1https://www.physicaltherapy.com/pt-ceus/course/cancer-related-comorbidities-and-adverse-3592Cancer Related Comorbidities and Adverse Treatment EffectsCancer and its treatment are known to cause survivors to experience a number of comorbidities and adverse effects. Because physical therapy management of the cancer survivor must either focus on these comorbidities/adverse effects or treat them, physical therapists must have a fundamental understanding of the most common of conditions. This course is directly related to the practice of physical therapy and is therefore appropriate for the PT/PTA.auditory, textual, visual
Cancer and its treatment are known to cause survivors to experience a number of comorbidities and adverse effects. Because physical therapy management of the cancer survivor must either focus on these comorbidities/adverse effects or treat them, physical therapists must have a fundamental understanding of the most common of conditions. This course is directly related to the practice of physical therapy and is therefore appropriate for the PT/PTA.
2https://www.physicaltherapy.com/pt-ceus/course/oncologic-pharmacology-for-rehabilitation-professional-3894Oncologic Pharmacology for the Rehabilitation ProfessionalA vast array of drugs are used to treat patients with cancer. This webinar will introduce the attendee to the basic pharmacology of these drugs, the mechanism of action of different classes of these drugs, and frequently observed adverse effects of these drugs. This course is directly related to the practice of physical therapy and is therefore appropriate for the PT/PTA.auditory, textual, visual
'The in-depth knowledge base of the presenter on the very convoluted subject matter of chemotherapeutic agents within the cancer population'Read Reviews
A vast array of drugs are used to treat patients with cancer. This webinar will introduce the attendee to the basic pharmacology of these drugs, the mechanism of action of different classes of these drugs, and frequently observed adverse effects of these drugs. This course is directly related to the practice of physical therapy and is therefore appropriate for the PT/PTA.
3https://www.physicaltherapy.com/pt-ceus/course/mindfulness-beyond-guided-meditation-3902Mindfulness: Beyond Guided MeditationMindfulness can be a really powerful cognitive-behavioral tool and has many relevant applications when treating patients with pain, especially chronic pain. Many courses for rehabilitation professionals teach guided meditation, which is an amazing tool. However, mindfulness has many other applications and opportunities for use in the treatment of patients with pain. This session discusses the history and science behind mindfulness, as well as provides a variety of practical mindfulness tools for the everyday practitioner. This course is directly related to the practice of physical therapy and is therefore appropriate for the PT/PTA.auditory, textual, visual
Mindfulness can be a really powerful cognitive-behavioral tool and has many relevant applications when treating patients with pain, especially chronic pain. Many courses for rehabilitation professionals teach guided meditation, which is an amazing tool. However, mindfulness has many other applications and opportunities for use in the treatment of patients with pain. This session discusses the history and science behind mindfulness, as well as provides a variety of practical mindfulness tools for the everyday practitioner. This course is directly related to the practice of physical therapy and is therefore appropriate for the PT/PTA.
4https://www.physicaltherapy.com/pt-ceus/course/medical-screening-part-3-adult-4475Medical Screening – Part 3 AdultThis course focuses on medical screening for the physical therapist and is Part 3 of a four-part series on screening. Part 3 addresses pathology in the adult portion of the lifespan. Part 1 is recommended prior to part 3. Editor's Note: Regarding Pennsylvania credits, this course is approved by the PA State Board of Physical Therapy for 2 hours of Direct Access CE credit.auditory, textual, visual
This course focuses on medical screening for the physical therapist and is Part 3 of a four-part series on screening. Part 3 addresses pathology in the adult portion of the lifespan. Part 1 is recommended prior to part 3.
Editor's Note: Regarding Pennsylvania credits, this course is approved by the PA State Board of Physical Therapy for 2 hours of Direct Access CE credit.
5https://www.physicaltherapy.com/pt-ceus/course/cancer-rehabilitation-overview-and-essentials-3471Cancer Rehabilitation: Overview and EssentialsDue to the growing population of cancer survivors in the United States, it is imperative that physical therapists across practice settings are well-prepared to evaluate and treat patients with a history of cancer. This introductory course will provide clinicians with an overview of cancer rehabilitation essentials including safety considerations and common musculoskeletal and functional impairments frequently seen as side effects of cancer and cancer treatments. This course is directly related to the practice of physical therapy and is therefore appropriate for the PT/PTA.auditory, textual, visual
Due to the growing population of cancer survivors in the United States, it is imperative that physical therapists across practice settings are well-prepared to evaluate and treat patients with a history of cancer. This introductory course will provide clinicians with an overview of cancer rehabilitation essentials including safety considerations and common musculoskeletal and functional impairments frequently seen as side effects of cancer and cancer treatments. This course is directly related to the practice of physical therapy and is therefore appropriate for the PT/PTA.
