NEW SPECIALISATION AREA
An expert perspective on a key area of physiotherapy.
- Friday, September 25th, 2026
- IFEMA MADRID
What is FISIOEXPO/INSIGHT?
FISIOEXPO/INSIGHT is a new space within FISIOEXPO, created to explore a key area of physiotherapy in depth each year.
In 2026, the focus will be on oncology physiotherapy, featuring thirteen expert-led sessions that provide a practical, clinical, and evidence-based perspective on the role of physiotherapists throughout the cancer care journey.
A space to better understand, better treat, and better support.
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Speakers
Davinia Vicente Campos
Oncology Physiotherapist and Lecturer at UFV
José López Chicharro
Professor of Exercise Physiology at UCM
Elisabeth Del Álamo Retamal
Oncology Physiotherapist at UAPO Madrid
Laura Nadal Garriga
Oncology and Palliative Care Physiotherapist with 15 Years of Experience
Virginia Prieto
Professor at UAH and Vice President of ONCO-AEF
Antonio Cuesta Vargas
Physiotherapist, Professor at UMA and Coordinator of IBIMA Tech at the IBIMA BIONAND Platform
Susana Manzanares Cabezuelo
Oncology Physiotherapist, University Lecturer and Member of WALT (PBM)
Mario Redondo Martínez
Therapeutic Exercise Specialist for People with Cancer
Marta Gómez Nicolás
Director of Oncowellness and Expert in Oncology Physiotherapy
Estíbaliz Díaz Balboa
Researcher and Doctor in Cardio-Oncology Rehabilitation
Curro Millán
Director of the Lymphedema Unit and President of AEFO
Ana Serrano
Director of the Master’s Degree in Oncology Physiotherapy at UPSA
Ana Navarro
Palliative Care and End-of-Life Care Specialist
Oncology Physiotherapy Programme
BLOCK I. PREHABILITATION: PREPARING THE PATIENT FOR WHAT LIES AHEAD
Oncology physiotherapy should not begin only when sequelae appear. Growing evidence shows that intervening before the first cancer treatment can improve functional capacity, reduce complications, accelerate recovery and increase tolerance to treatment. This block will explore how to assess, plan and optimise the patient’s physical and functional condition in the weeks before surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
Prehabilitation in cancer care: the physiotherapist as a functional preparation specialist.
Davinia Vicente Campos.
10:45 - 11:15
Prehabilitation represents one of the greatest paradigm shifts in oncology. This session will examine how physiotherapists can play a key role in optimising the patient’s physical, functional and emotional condition before treatment begins, improving their ability to cope with the cancer care process.
The physiology of time in oncology: what can we do when there are only weeks to prepare the patient?
José López Chicharro.
11:15 - 11:45
Not every patient has the same amount of time to prepare before starting treatment. Drawing on exercise physiology, this session will examine which priority adaptations can be achieved within a few weeks and how to optimise exercise prescription when the available time is limited.
Is physiotherapy safe for patients with bone metastases?
Elisabeth del Álamo Retamal.
11:45 - 12:15
The presence of bone metastases continues to create uncertainty among many professionals. This session will review the latest scientific evidence on safety, risk assessment and clinical criteria for physiotherapy and therapeutic exercise interventions in patients with metastatic bone involvement.
BLOCK II. DURING TREATMENT: RADIOTHERAPY AND ITS SIDE EFFECTS
Radiotherapy is one of the most widely used cancer treatments and can cause tissue changes that significantly affect function and quality of life. Fibrosis, adhesions, joint restrictions, pain and skin changes are among the most common complications. This block will show how early physiotherapy intervention can help minimise these consequences.
Managing scars, adhesions and fibrosis in cancer patients.
Laura Nadal Garriga.
12:25 - 12:55
Soft-tissue changes resulting from surgery and radiotherapy can restrict movement and cause significant functional limitations. This session will review the latest physiotherapy strategies for treating scars, adhesions and fibrosis, as well as their impact on patient function.
Pain in cancer patients: a physiotherapy approach.
Virginia Prieto.
12:55 - 13:25
Pain is one of the most prevalent symptoms throughout the cancer care process. This session will explore the different mechanisms involved in pain associated with cancer and its treatments, as well as the tools physiotherapy can use to improve patients’ function and quality of life.
How your physiotherapist can help you increase METs and improve survival in colon cancer: 2026 ESMO guideline update
Antonio I. Cuesta Vargas.
13:25 - 13:55
Current scientific evidence shows that achieving adequate levels of physical activity after colon cancer may be associated with improved survival. The latest updates to the 2026 ESMO guideline will be reviewed, along with how physiotherapists can help patients increase their METs through individualised exercise programmes. A practical perspective on the role of physiotherapy in one of the most promising areas of modern oncology.
Photobiomodulation for the management of cancer treatment sequelae.
Susana Manzanares Cabezuelo.
13:55 - 14:25
Photobiomodulation is emerging as a promising tool for managing certain sequelae caused by cancer treatments. This session will examine its biological foundations, current clinical applications and the available scientific evidence within oncology physiotherapy.
BLOCK III. DURING TREATMENT: CHEMOTHERAPY AND ITS SIDE EFFECTS
Chemotherapy can cause multiple systemic changes that directly affect a patient’s functional capacity. Loss of muscle mass, peripheral neuropathy and cardiotoxicity are among the most common and limiting complications. This block will show how physiotherapy and therapeutic exercise can help prevent, detect and manage these problems.
Sarcopenia in cancer: beyond muscle loss.
Mario Redondo Martínez.
15:40 - 16:10
Cancer-related sarcopenia is far more than a reduction in muscle mass. It is associated with poorer treatment tolerance, a higher risk of complications and reduced survival. This session will examine its mechanisms, clinical consequences and therapeutic exercise strategies.
Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy: what can physiotherapy do?
Marta Gómez Nicolás.
16:10 - 16:40
Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy can seriously compromise mobility, function and quality of life. This session will review the assessment tools and physiotherapy strategies available to prevent, reduce and manage this increasingly common complication.
The role of physiotherapy in the prevention and treatment of cancer therapy-related cardiotoxicity.
Estíbaliz Díaz Balboa.
16:40 - 17:10
Improved cancer survival has highlighted the importance of preserving patients’ cardiovascular health. This session will show how cardio-oncology rehabilitation and therapeutic exercise can become essential tools for preventing and treating cardiotoxicity associated with cancer treatments.
BLOCK IV. LONG-TERM SEQUELAE AND END-OF-LIFE CARE
Oncology physiotherapy care does not end when treatment is completed. Many people live for years with physical sequelae caused by cancer, while others require specialised care during advanced stages of the disease. This block will address some of the most relevant clinical situations affecting cancer survivors and patients receiving palliative care.
Prevention and management of lymphoedema in cancer patients.
Curro Millán.
17:20 - 17:50
Lymphoedema remains one of the most feared sequelae following certain cancer treatments. This session will review current strategies for its prevention, early detection and management, as well as the role of physiotherapy in improving function and quality of life.
Physiotherapy for dysfunctions in patients with head and neck cancer.
Ana Serrano.
17:50 - 18:20
Treatments for head and neck tumours can cause significant functional impairments involving cervical mobility, mouth opening, swallowing and breathing. The main physiotherapy tools for managing these complex sequelae will be presented.
End-of-life care and physiotherapy.
Ana Navarro.
18:20 - 18:50
Physiotherapy also plays an essential role during the advanced stages of disease. This session will explore how to relieve symptoms, preserve autonomy, improve comfort and contribute to a better quality of life for patients and those around them during end-of-life care.