Prehabilitation - Rehabilitation

Preparation for and recovery following cancer treatment

Exercise classes in Ipswich and in Wickham Market

For information about exercise classes in Felixstowe, please click this link.

Cancer treatment can be very challenging for your body and mind. Major surgery, for example, has been compared to running a marathon. Evidence shows that preparing yourself and actively improving your physical and mental health before treatment – also known as prehabilitation - can help you recover more quickly from surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and reduce the chance of further problems during and after your treatment, as well as many other benefits.

Patients can access both face-to-face and online support through either your clinical team or the Cancer Wellbeing and Information Centre.

Please be aware that most patients will be referred automatically to our digital partner Alvie who will contact you via text message and telephone call to tell you more about their offer. You are under no obligation and can opt out at any stage.

How to access exercise classes | Where are the sessions held? | Online support (Alvie app) | Pre-recorded video of exercises

How to access the exercise classes

Your clinician or cancer nurse specialist may speak with you about Prehabilitation-Rehabilitation during one of your appointments in preparation for treatment. You can join the exercise sessions by contacting the Ipswich Cancer Wellbeing and Information Centre directly to make arrangements.

You are entitled to ten sessions of exercise classes at no cost to yourself (funding is provided by the Colchester and Ipswich Hospitals Charity). These do not have to be in consecutive weeks: for instance you may have some sessions prior to treatment and/ or take breaks during treatment. Places are limited so if you are unable to attend, please contact the instructor. Once you have completed the first ten sessions, your instructor will discuss further options with you so that you can carry on with the fitness programme if you feel it would be beneficial.

When you make contact with the Ipswich Cancer Wellbeing and Information Centre, please ask if there are other ways in which you may aid your preparation and recovery: there are, for instance, specific exercise activities to assist people undergoing treatment for breast cancer and prostate cancer.

Tel: 01473 715748, e-mail: cancer.support@esneft.nhs.uk. 

Where are classes held?

The exercise classes are held weekly. Details will be provided when you have registered for the programme. If you are unable to travel, please aim to use the video which you can find further down this webpage. You are encouraged to attend “in person” if possible as you will meet others who have a cancer diagnosis and you may find that this can provide you with additional support.

For information about exercise classes in Felixstowe, please click this link.

Online Support using the Alvie app

Please see below summary information about online support before, during and after treatment. Most patients will be referred automatically to our digital partner Alvie who will contact you via text message and telephone call to tell you more about their offer. You are under no obligation and can opt out at any stage.

Pre-recorded video of exercises to use in preparation for and after cancer treatment

The video below provides some examples of the types of exercises that are found in the weekly class. We encourage you to try to do parts of this workout at home once or twice per week. Remember, even some movement is better than none.

How hard should I work?

We recommend you keep to a moderate intensity. Generally speaking you will be working at the right level of intensity if you can talk but can’t sing whilst you are exercising.

Advisory

We have taken reasonable endeavours to ensure that the content of these classes is, to the best of our knowledge, accurate and suitable for most people. However, it is not tailored to any specific characteristic or person. Before following and undertaking the exercises here, you (and anyone else taking part) should consult with a health professional and/or your GP if you: consider it necessary; have any concerns about your health; are not sure whether the exercises are suitable; have any pre-existing health problems, injuries, or any current symptoms. Undertaking these exercises is at your own risk. You should stop exercising immediately and seek medical attention if you should feel any discomfort. We shall not be held liable or responsible for any injury, loss or damage of any kind (including, (without limitation) any direct, special, indirect or consequential damages) arising out of or in connection with the use of this exercise class by you or anyone else except to the extent that such liability cannot be limited or excluded by law. When participating in an exercise or exercise programme, there is the possibility of sustaining a physical injury. If you engage in this exercise programme, you agree that you do so at your own risk, are voluntarily participating in these activities and assume all risk of injury to yourself. All contracts subject to and governed by English Law and the exclusive jurisdiction of the Courts of England and Wales.