Understanding Bone Metastatic Disease

Bone metastasis is when cancer cells migrate or spread from an organ or part of the body that already has cancer. This results in the bone becoming cancerous. This results in pain in the bones depending on where the cancer has metastasized. 

Bone metastasis occurs in your neck, shoulder, spine, and thighs and may be an early sign of cancer in your body. In some cases, it can occur during the later stages of cancer. Bone metastasis can be managed with physical therapy and activities to manage the pain and ensure that mobility and strength are not lost in the bones. 

Causes of Bone Metastatic Disease

The predominant causes of Bone Metastatic Disease are- 

• Cancer cells migrate from the primary site and spread to the bones through metastasis.
• The exact cause of this process is not known.
• The development and intensity of bone metastasis vary from person to person.
• The type of cancer a person has can influence the likelihood and severity of bone metastases.

Symptoms of Bone Metastatic Disease

The most common symptoms of Bone Metastatic Disease are-

• Persistent pain in the bones, especially in the spine, knees, shoulders, and back, without a history of injury.
• Brittle bones or frequent fractures, even with minor trauma.
• As bones are affected by metastasis, anemia can lead to high red blood cell counts.
• Symptoms may overlap with other conditions, so seeking medical evaluation for the correct diagnosis and intervention is essential.

Benefits of Physical Activity in Bone Metastatic

Physical activities have been found to alleviate pain and improve the range of motion in bones and joints. It also helps in strengthening muscles and improving flexibility in your body.

Physical activity can help manage symptoms

Physical activities such as jogging, yoga, and stretching exercises can help reduce pain and swelling in the body where there are signs of bone metastasis. 

Regular physical activity has been demonstrated to effectively manage pain and build pain resistance, as per studies. This can go a long way in improving an individual's mental and physical well-being.  

Physical activity can help strengthen muscles 

Engaging in muscle-strengthening exercises such as pull-ups, push-ups, stretches, and other exercises can help strengthen the muscles. This helps manage muscle degradation and inflammation as the muscles and joints are engaged often and are not stiff due to the condition.

Strengthening muscles could also reduce the weight on the bones, making it easier for you to engage in day-to-day activities requiring you to use that set of muscles and joints.

Physical activity can help in pain management

Regular physical activities can help improve your tolerance to pain. It can also help you manage pain, as activities and exercises can help remove flexibility and strength in your body. This can improve your chance to better manage the pain and the condition and not be overwhelmed by the metastasis.

Physical activity can promote overall bone health 

Engaging in physical activities have shown to improve bone health. It plays a crucial role in strengthening the bones and improving their ability to take on stress. This becomes important as cancer can cause the bone to degenerate. Healthy bones can reduce the rate of bone metastasis, which can be achieved through regular holistic physical activities that strengthen your bones. 

Physical activity can improve quality of life 

Engaging in physical activities helps in improving your physical and mental condition. Constant engagement with heat therapy, massages, and other flexing and strengthening exercises can help you retain your autonomy in carrying on with your day-to-day activities. 

Staying fit and ensuring that your body is trained and rested helps you efficiently manage the condition. This can have a positive impact on your quality of life. 

Physical activity can enhance mood and Mental Well-being

Sports and recreation play a vital role in one's mood and physical health. Engaging in physical activities such as running, cycling, and other forms of exercise that help you engage your body can be beneficial as it releases several mood booster hormones, such as adrenaline and serotonin. This can help you manage your moods better and prepare you to tackle your condition more confidently and easily.

Types of Physical Activity in Bone Metastatic 

Strength Training Exercises

While managing bone metastases, training exercises that help strengthen the muscles and bones are essential. Strengthening exercises such as cardio and pilates can help manage the condition well and improve overall health. 

Lifting weights 

Lifting weights can help strengthen the muscles in your body. It can help strengthen your pelvis, back, and arms. However, it is important to refrain from strenuous weight lifting as that can be counterproductive. Talk to your physiotherapist to understand what lifting exercises work best for you.

Resistance exercises 

Resistance exercises such as wall pushes, push-ups, chin-ups, and bench presses can help strengthen various body parts and help you manage your weight. These can improve the health of your arms, shoulders, back, and hamstrings, where crucial bones exist. This can help manage any muscle and bone deterioration. 

Wall push-ups

This is an effective way to strengthen your entire body, especially your upper back and spine. These muscles are activated in your arms and shoulders and help distribute the weight to your back. This form of exercise can help ensure that the spine is strengthened along with other key joints and bones.

Stretching & flexibility exercises

Stretching and flexibility exercises such as hip bridge, side lunges, and knee-to-chest engage your whole body and strengthen critical joints in your body. This also helps strengthen your spine, knee joints, and shoulder and improves the strength of the muscles. 

They also help reduce inflammation in the joints and muscles, which can be helpful for you to manage pain better.

Aerobic Exercises 

Aerobic exercises are also called "cardio." You perform These exercises for longer durations with the help of the oxygen you breathe. This means that your oxygen intake regulates the exercises. Some examples are brisk walking, cycling, and swimming. They engage the whole body and often help build endurance and overall muscle and bone health.

Brisk walking

Brisk walking stands out as one of the most effective methods for enhancing bone and muscle strength. Brisk walking also helps improve your lung capacity and improve oxygen flow to your muscles, which aids in muscle growth. 

Brisk walking also helps you lose fat in some cases. This weight loss can help reduce the stress on the joints and muscles.

Swimming

Swimming can help strengthen the upper body and the legs. It helps tone your back and abdomen, offering a full-body workout. Spending time in the water can also help reduce inflammation as movement is easier in water. 

Swimming helps strengthen your pectoral muscles and the upper back. This can help improve flexibility and range of motion in your body.

Water aerobics

Water aerobics are escorts that are performed while in water. These exercises are performed in one place with chest-deep or waist-deep water. The buoyancy of the water adds resistance and helps work out joints and muscles in your body. The water also helps improve the range of motion as it helps navigate body aches and stiffness. 

Low-Impact Exercises 

Low-impact exercises help you gradually work towards something with your muscles. They are less intensive but, at the same time, effective. This can help you slowly get into a fitness regime that helps improve muscle and bone strength. 

Cycling 

Cycling is an excellent way to improve endurance and strength in your lower back and legs. Cycling also helps improve hand-eye coordination and keeps you on your feet quickly. 

This can improve your mood. Cycling also helps strengthen the pelvic floor and thighs, which are crucial areas of important bones.

Yoga

Yoga is an effective way to increase your flexibility and range of motion gradually. When done right, yoga can also help improve your lung capacity, provide calm, and help restore your sleep cycle. This can have a soothing effect on your body as you are well-rested. This helps in the faster recovery of muscle strain. 

Tai Chi

Practice Tai Chi, a gentle and graceful martial art, to enhance balance, coordination, and reduce stress. Its slow movements are easy on your bones and joints, making it suitable for individuals with bone metastatic disease. Tai Chi's meditative aspects promote mental well-being, while its focus on controlled breathing can contribute to overall relaxation and improved quality of life. 

Precautions and Safety Measures

Implementing specific precautions and safety measures when dealing with bone metastatic disease is important to safeguard those affecteds’ health and quality of life.

Consult a healthcare professional

Consult a healthcare professional, such as an oncologist or physiotherapist, for an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan when dealing with bone metastasis. A tailored approach combining medication and physical therapy will help safeguard your health and well-being.

Gradual increase in activity

Start gradually and consistently with your physical exercises to strengthen muscles and joints. Avoid straining yourself and, as you progress, consult your medical professional before increasing intensity or activities.

Tracking progress 

Tracking progress offers valuable insights for improvement, accountability, and health status monitoring, aiding medical caretakers in planning and adapting their regimens.

Incorporating Physical Activity into Daily Life

Embracing an active lifestyle involves seamlessly integrating physical activity into your daily routines. Here's how you can do that-

Make small changes to your daily routine

 Make small changes in your daily routine that allow your body to move around more freely. Add activities that help you relax and flex your muscles and joints. Simple stretches, muscle flexion, and wall pull-ups can help improve your health and provide respite from the monotony.

Schedule activity breaks 

It is important to take breaks between activities to prevent stress on your body. Sit down, read a book, and engage in something not part of your job. Taking short breaks to walk and stretching can help manage pain. It is important not to stress the bones and muscles as it prevents inflammation and injury.

Form a habit

Forming a habit of initially being able to perform the exercises without extra supervision is important. This helps ease into a regime and take care of yourself. It also enables you to understand your body's needs and accordingly plan your healthcare.

Embracing Physical Activity in Metastatic Bone Disease 

Metastatic bone disease can be mentally and physically taxing. But with the right kind of support, the condition can be managed. Physical activity plays a crucial role in bone healing and pain management. 

At Physio Tattva, we have the right practitioners who are well-versed in understanding the needs of an individual diagnosed with this ailment. 

Our team of experts will be able to guide you through several physical activities and therapy that works best for you and your medical needs ensuring that you are on your way to managing the condition with ease. With our in-house experts and cutting-edge facilities, be rest assured, our unwavering dedication ensures that we leave no stone unturned in providing you with the best care possible today! Reach out to our experts to learn more. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can physical activity worsen symptoms of metastatic bone disease?

Physical activities can help improve the health of your bones and muscles if you are suffering from bone metastasis. However, you must be careful about the exercises that work for you. Performing the wrong exercise can be dangerous. 

How often should I engage in physical activity with metastatic bone disease? 

You can engage in physical activities based on your physiotherapist and oncologist's recommendations. A few times a day, or during the day, engage in a mix of low-intensity and high-intensity exercise.  

How is metastatic bone disease diagnosed? 

Metastatic bone disease is often diagnosed after a series of tests of your bones and muscles. X-rays, blood samples, and MRI may be used to accurately diagnose. Physical examination and medical history of you can also be used.