The Block Center: Care That Builds and Strengthens You Physically
We want you to have an optimal quality of life during treatment and on through to recovery. Building your strength and fitness is one way we will work with you to achieve that goal.
You need to feel and be as physically strong as possible. Body strength is particularly important in order for you to prevail over the physical challenges that may accompany cancer and such cancer treatments as surgery, radiation or chemotherapy. In addition to increasing your physical strength and fitness, specific exercises can also help you increase your blood and lymphatic circulation --- benefiting both your cardiovascular and immune systems.
At the Block Center we have developed a strength-building, aerobic and Eastern training program to help you break cancer’s vicious cycle of inactivity, fatigue and body-mind decline. Our team will help you improve aerobic function, gain flexibility, increase strength and stamina, achieve structural integrity, decrease pain, and encourage deeper relaxation. After only a few weeks of this personalized integrative regimen, you, like many of our patients, may find your fatigue subsiding and your vitality renewed.
Your individualized program will be realistic and adapted to your needs and capabilities, a program that can be enjoyable and effective, and designed so that it can be performed at home or in your health club.
Your initial physical therapy consult will include an interview with a professional physical therapist, range of motion testing, manual muscle and functional strength testing, and questions about pain and fatigue. It may also include a walking treadmill test and/or body composition analysis to measure lean mass and fat percentages according to your height, weight, frame and sex.
Depending upon your personal specifics, your strength-building regimen may include:
Therapeutic Yoga Classes
Through a series of gentle stretches, strengthening poses and deep breathing techniques, you’ll learn the mastery of deep relaxation, gain strength, flexibility, poise and a sense of centeredness.
Be-Fit Bio-Conditioning Exercise
Developed by the Block Center co-founders Keith and Penny Block, Be-Fit Bio-Conditioning Exercise draws from both Eastern and Western philosophies on exercise, medicine, health and healing. The program consists of a series of gentle but highly focused stretching and movement routines, coordinated with breathing. With regular practice, you will be able to increase your cellular oxygenation, build general stamina, strengthen your muscles and bones, as well as nourish and fortify your major organs.
Massage Therapy
Massage therapy has been proven to decrease pain, inflammation and swelling, increase general circulation, extend range of motion, boost immune function, and produce an all-body relaxation effect.
If right for you and part of your personalized care program, the benefits you receive from massage therapy can potentially be enhanced to encompass the unique healing relationship that can develop with a skilled and dedicated therapist.
