Rebuilding Life After Cancer: Move Forward with the We Can Move Rehabilitation Programme

Finishing cancer treatment is a huge milestone. But for many people, it’s also the moment they realise recovery isn’t over — it’s just entering a new phase.

Where ever you are in your journey. You may be dealing with fatigue, weakness, pain, breathlessness, or a body that doesn’t feel like your own. That’s completely normal. And it’s exactly why cancer rehabilitation is so important.

Recovery after cancer isn’t just about surviving, it’s about getting your life back.

Cancer Treatment Ends — But Recovery Continues

Treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy save lives, but they can also leave lasting physical and emotional effects, including:

· Severe fatigue

· Muscle weakness and reduced stamina

· Joint stiffness and pain

· Balance or mobility problems

· Breathlessness

· Lymphedema (swelling)

· Numbness or tingling in hands and feet

· Brain fog or memory issues

· Anxiety, low mood, or loss of confidence

What Is Cancer Rehabilitation?

Cancer rehabilitation is a specialised, medically informed approach that helps people regain strength, mobility, and confidence during and after cancer treatment.

It focuses on the whole person, not just the disease.

Rehabilitation may include:

Physical Rehabilitation

· Tailored exercise programmes

· Strength rebuilding

· Improving stamina and endurance

· Balance and mobility work

· Support after surgery

Exercise in cancer recovery is not about pushing limits, it’s about rebuilding safely and gradually.

Introducing We Can Move at North Northants Leisure

To support people living with and beyond cancer, North Northants Leisure offers We Can Move — a 16-week, individualised cancer rehabilitation exercise programme designed specifically for people who have received a cancer diagnosis.

This programme supports those experiencing the physical and emotional side effects of treatment, helping them rebuild safely and confidently.

Led by Specialist Cancer Rehabilitation Instructors

Our programme is delivered by a dedicated team of trained Cancer Rehabilitation Exercise Instructors who truly understand the physical and emotional challenges of exercising during and after cancer treatment.

What the 16-Week We Can Move Programme Includes

Initial One-to-One Consultation

Your journey begins with a friendly appointment where we:

· Discuss your medical background and treatment history

· Understand how you’re feeling physically and emotionally

· Set personalised goals

· Check for any health considerations to ensure you start safely

Induction & Personalised Activity Plan

You’ll be supported to choose activities based on your fitness level, confidence, treatment stage, and goals.

Your plan may include:

Gym-Based Exercise

· Strength training

· Mobility work

· Functional exercises for daily life

Water-Based Sessions

· Gentle, low-impact exercise

· Ideal for joint support and easier movement

Recommended Classes, carefully selected classes to improve:

· Flexibility

· Strength

· Relaxation

In a supportive environment.

Regular Reviews & Ongoing Support

Throughout the 16 weeks, regular check-ins help:

· Monitor your progress

· Adjust exercises when needed

· Manage fatigue or symptoms

· Build motivation and confidence

As your strength improves, your programme progresses safely with you.

End-of-Programme Review

At the end, you’ll have a final assessment to:

· Celebrate your progress

· Reflect on achievements

· Review improvements in strength and stamina

· Plan next steps to continue your recovery

Many participants continue staying active, proof of the confidence and strength they’ve regained.

Real Experiences from We Can Move

Anne’s Story

When Anne first joined, she didn’t feel confident using the gym. She began with We-Can move studio-based sessions, which gave her a comfortable starting point.

As her confidence grew, so did her strength and stamina. She later felt ready to move into the gym, signing up for a gym induction and personalised programme.

Anne shared:

“I definitely feel much healthier compared to when I first started back in November. My strength has increased. I did an EGYM strength test a couple of days ago and it showed I can push higher weights. That’s a big difference.”

Her journey shows how starting gently can lead to big physical and emotional gains.

Karl’s Story

Karl joined the programme while living in Wellingborough, having never visited leisure centres before. Despite this being a completely new environment for him, he decided to give it a try and attended sessions at both of our facilities: Corby East Midlands International Pool and Lodge Park Sports Centre

Although the travel distance was significant, Karl said it was absolutely worth it because of the high-quality facilities and the welcoming atmosphere he experienced at both sites.

He especially appreciated how supportive and helpful the staff and instructors were, which made him feel comfortable and motivated from the very beginning.

Karl shared:

“I’ve never seen such well-maintained facilities around. It really makes a difference.”

His commitment, despite the travel, shows just how powerful a positive, encouraging environment can be in someone’s rehabilitation journey.

We Can Move at North Northants Leisure is here to help you rebuild, step by step — safely, gradually, and with expert support. To speak to someone about the We Can Move programme please complete the enquiry form on the website or email: referrals.nnc@northnorthants.gov.uk

https://heartburncanceruk.org/blog/rebuilding-strength-and-confidence-through-cancer-rehabilitation/