For the Health of It: Post radiation side effects and treatments

Hima Dalal discusses post radiation side-effects

COLUMBIA SC (WOLO) –

Common Post-Radiation Side-Effects Addressed
Through her integrative OT practice, Hima addresses a wide spectrum of challenges that
frequently affect individuals following cancer treatment and radiation, including:
● Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) – a persistent, overwhelming tiredness that doesn’t fully
resolve with rest.
● Physical limitations – such as reduced strength or range of motion (for example, in the
arm or shoulder after breast cancer treatment), pain, stiffness, and joint restrictions.
● Lymphedema – swelling from fluid buildup often associated with lymph-node removal or
irradiation.
● Skin changes – irritation, long-term tissue changes, scarring, or fibrosis from radiation
sites.
● Cognitive changes (“chemo-brain”) – difficulty with memory, attention, processing
speed, or problem-solving.
● Psychosocial issues – anxiety, depression, body-image concerns, changes in self-
identity, and stress from adapting to a new “normal.”
● Difficulty with daily activities – challenges in self-care (bathe, dress), household tasks
(cooking, shopping), returning to work, or engaging in leisure.
Integrative OT Interventions at Hima Dalal Integrative Health
Traditional OT Strategies – personalised and functional:
● Functional assessments and task-modification: analysing how your daily activities are
impacted, and adapting tasks or environments to ease your participation and
independence.
● Energy conservation approaches: pacing yourself, prioritising tasks, alternating activity
with rest, reducing fatigue and optimizing your function.
● Adaptive equipment/training: recommending tools (reach-tools, dressing aids, shower
chairs) and training you to safely use them to maintain independence.
● Physical interventions: tailored exercise programs to rebuild strength, expand range of
motion, improve endurance, and reduce pain or stiffness.
● Cognitive rehabilitation: using memory aids, attention-training strategies, structured
“brain exercises” to support returning to optimal cognitive function.
● Lymphedema risk reduction and management: education on safe movement, manual
self-massage techniques, compression garment guidance, and activity modification.

● Work and lifestyle rehabilitation: supporting return to work or meaningful leisure,
modifying job tasks and environments to fit your changed capacity.
Complementary Evidence-Informed Therapies – integrated seamlessly into the OT process:
● Mind-body practices: including meditation, yoga, mindfulness-based stress reduction —
helping address fatigue, anxiety, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life.
● Skilled manual therapy: Hima’s signature innovation CMFR (Crystal Myofascial
Release) — a unique manual therapy technique she developed that uses crystals in the
myofascial release process. CMFR is designed to help release fascia restrictions,
address scar tissue adhesions (which may be relevant after radiation), reduce pain,
improve range of motion, and release embedded emotional tension in the fascia. Hima
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● Energy-medicine modalities: including Reiki (Hima is a Reiki Grandmaster), craniosacral
therapy, and other vibrational/energy-based approaches to support healing on subtle
levels. Hima Dalal+1
● Lifestyle guidance: nutritional wellness evaluations (Ayurvedic informed), exercise
coaching, stress-management, breath-work, and yoga tailored to your needs.
● Contact www.Himadalalintegrativehealth.com for any further questions or help