A course in Oncology Physiotherapy was held at the University Clinical Center Tuzla, organized by the Physiotherapy Association of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The course was led by licensed oncology physiotherapy instructors, from Siobhan O’Reilly from Ireland and Dr.Dina Barakat , a physiotherapist from Lebanon.
According to Mirela Begić, MA in Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy and President of the Physiotherapy Association of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the course aimed to provide physiotherapists and specialists in physical medicine and rehabilitation with comprehensive theoretical and practical education in tumor rehabilitation.
“Participants had the opportunity to learn about the examination and treatment of tumors following surgical interventions, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, with a focus on physiotherapeutic approaches and assessments. The course included breathing exercises, post-operative exercises, manual therapy, self-drainage techniques, and exercises for managing secondary lymphedema,” Begić explained.
She added, “I believe the course offered participants a valuable platform to exchange ideas and experiences while enhancing their knowledge in oncological rehabilitation. Beyond the academic content, the event fostered quality dialogue, constructive discussions, and the formation of new personal and professional connections.”
The Head of the Clinic for Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Šahza Kikanović, highlighted the exceptional importance of education in oncology patient rehabilitation. She emphasized that global health standards and the requirements of various professional associations necessitate improving the quality of life for oncology patients. “The increasing number of oncology patients often face not only their primary disease but also a range of complications arising from the condition itself. This underscores the need for advanced rehabilitation strategies to address these challenges effectively,” Dr. Kikanović stated.
Prof. Dr. Šefika Umihanić, Head of the Clinic for Oncology and Radiotherapy, emphasized that oncology is an ever-expanding field, with the number of patients increasing daily. However, significant efforts are continuously made to improve patients’ quality of life.
“The life expectancy of oncology patients is extending, often transitioning their condition into a chronic disease. During this prolonged management period, patients frequently face various adverse effects of the disease, as well as treatment-related complications that may cause lasting consequences if unrecognized or inadequately treated,” Prof. Dr. Umihanić explained.
She further noted, “The Oncology Physiotherapy Course represents a crucial first step in raising awareness about the importance of physiotherapy in oncology care. Physiotherapy is undoubtedly indicated for oncology patients, provided it is tailored to the individual needs of each patient, yielding measurable and impactful results.”
The course concluded with the distribution of certificates to all participants, marking the successful completion of this important educational initiative.
