Support of Cancer Patients at the Stage of Early Rehabilitation: Possibilities of Postural Correction and Art Therapy Techniques

Abstract

Introduction. Early rehabilitation of cancer patients after surgery plays an important role in their recovery and return to normal functioning. One of the tasks of this stage of treatment is to restore physical activity of the body, in particular, through postural correction. The medical aspects of this process are well described in the literature, however, the psychological aspects of the postural correction process are not sufficiently covered. Even fewer studies are devoted to restoring the psychological state of cancer patients. Purpose. Analysis of the possibilities of postural correction of cancer patients and the possibility of using art therapy techniques to normalize the psychological state during early rehabilitation.Theoretical justification. One of the key elements of postural correction is the restoration of the ability to maintain balance. For this purpose, special devices are used – stabilometric platforms. Another important element is the restoration of voluntary movements. For a more effective recovery, it is worth teaching patients the psychological adjustment to exercise movements. When the patient plans a movement, he forms a mental construct “task to be completed”, which promotes more precise movements. Restoration of their stable psychological state of cancer patients is possible, in particular, through art therapy techniques. One of the techniques, coloring mandalas, involves both hemispheres of the patients’ brains, triggering cognitive processes through the activation of fine motor skills. This provides a natural therapeutic process: the brain works initially on simple tasks and gradually moves on to more complex ones. The details of the mandala drawing are thought out in such a way that in the process of working on it, the patient focuses on his inner state – thoughts and feelings.Discussion. The importance of an integrated approach to the rehabilitation of cancer patients is increasingly emphasized in scientific papers. During the early rehabilitation period, the patient is in the most vulnerable state, both physically and psychologically. The use of psychological techniques can ensure that the patient can restore a more holistic image of himself both physically and internally.