Complementary therapies improve the quality of life for patients by helping them to:
- feel cared for and cope with their illness
- relieve and control symptoms and some of the side effects of treatment
- relax, relieve tension and anxiety and promote a general sense of well-being
- take an active role in their care and regain some control
- find time to talk about their emotional and psychological needs
Complementary Therapies do not claim to cure an illness, rather support a patient and make them feel better able to cope with it.
Our team provides therapies at the Hospice as well as at home and they are available to the majority of patients; due to their non-invasive nature they can be adapted for those who are in a more advanced stage of their illness as well.
The team also teach basic massage techniques to carers as part of Travelling the Journey and Sharing the Journey.
Physiotherapy plays an important role in maintaining quality of life and independence during a patient’s illness.
Every one is unique and we assess each person individually so that we can agree a specialist treatment plan that is completely tailored to them. Our Physiotherapist will work closely with other members of the Hospice team to improve pain and ensure that the patient is receiving the best and most effective treatment possible.
There are many parts to this such as rehabilitation, pain relief, chest care or provision of aids and appliances.
A treatment plan may include exercises to improve the patient’s mobility, or chest physiotherapy to manage symptoms such as breathlessness. Fatigue is a common problem encountered by our patients and we can advise on the best way to cope with this. We will also try to alleviate pain by gentle exercise, movements of joints, use of heat or cold therapy, and use of TENS* machines. Patients are our main priority and we will find the best treatment for them.
Our Physiotherapist has also adapted Qi Gong – which has roots in Chinese medicine, martial arts and philosophy – for use in the Hospice, which can help with anxiety and breathlessness.
*TENS machine is a Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulator. TENS machines deliver small electrical pulses to the body via electrodes placed on the skin. This is thought to help ease pain.
Our Complementary Therapy leaflet has more information about Therapies. Download it now.
