Rehabilitation
You told us that what matters to you is dignity and that for many of you this comes from being able to live independently and stay well for as long as possible.
Our rehabilitation team will work with you to set and work towards goals that maximise your potential at all stages of your illness. We will support you with approaches that allow you to take responsibility for your own health.
Together, we will work towards:
- Adaptation to your condition
- Maximal physical function
- Independence for as long as possible
What you can expect
We will interact with you to identify how you are currently managing, before looking at any struggles you are currently experiencing. This will allow us to focus on what is important to you and how we can assist and provide the best support. Care is always led by your priorities, goals and preferences.
We believe it is important that the people who are important to you are made to feel welcome and 'part of the team', as such we may also ask for further information from your family or carers to better understand your condition.
How physiotherapy and occupational therapy can help you
The Stress Management Programme
This programme is for people with life-limiting illnesses, those who find themselves in the role of carer or for those that have been bereaved.
We can help you to increase your understanding of the Stress Response and teach you ways to manage and reduce levels of stress and anxiety more effectively through a range of techniques.
Topics covered will include:
- posture & positioning
- breathing control exercises
- relaxation techniques
- the use of imagery
- sleep hygiene
- positive thinking
- lifestyle management
- education in the recognition and management of stress.
This is a short out-patient programme of 4-6 sessions which take place on an individual basis with our Occupational Therapist in the Scholl Wellbeing Centre. A relaxation CD compiled by the rehabilitation team is available for purchase from the Scholl Wellbeing Centre reception.
Fatigue and Breathlessness Programme
This is a programme for people with illnesses such as cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who have any of the following symptoms:
Fatigue: extreme tiredness and lack of energy
Breathlessness: feeling out of breath more than normal after physical exertion,
We can help you to:
- Understand why you are feeling the way you do
- Find ways to manage your symptoms
- Achieve the best possible quality of life
You will also have the opportunity to talk through your feelings with staff and other people who are experiencing the same symptoms.
The programme consists of 8 two hour weekly sessions. Group sizes are small with six or fewer people on each course. A spouse, partner, carer or friend can also attend.
Acupuncture Clinic
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese method of treating illness. According to the Chinese philosophy we all have energy or Qi (chi) moving in channels around the body. These should be free-flowing and equally balanced. If the channels become blocked then pain or illness develops. Acupuncture needles are very fine needles which are inserted into points on the skin which encourage the Qi to flow freely again. Modern medical views are that acupuncture works by altering the pain-relieving chemicals in the body.
Acupuncture can be used to treat a wide range of symptoms including pain, anxiety, hot flushes, nausea, insomnia, fatigue and breathlessness.
The acupuncture clinic takes place on a Monday afternoon and is run by a physiotherapist who has had training in medical acupuncture.
Physical activity sessions
These session are run by our physiotherapist and include supervised use of the gym equipment, chair based exercises, Tai Chi, Pilates and walking routes (weather permitting).
The activities help strengthen muscle weakness, ease joint stiffness, increase mobility and assist with balance & independence.
Relaxation sessions
These session will teach you a variety of relaxation techniques to help you reduce levels of anxiety and promote a feeling of wellbeing.
The programme helps people with progressive, life-limiting illnesses to cope with some of the symptoms they may be experiencing and enjoy a better quality of life.
In-Patient Unit
We also support patients in our In-patient Unit by:
- Prescribing individual exercise programmes to ease joint stiffness, strengthen weak muscles and improve balance
- Providing appropriate walking aids to aid mobility and transfers
- Providing advice and equipment to assist with activities of daily living
- Advising on ways to manage pain, breathlessness, fatigue, stress and anxiety
- Carrying out home assessments prior to discharge
Patients also have the opportunity to take part in reminiscence therapy and creative activity sessions which are facilitated by the rehabilitation team.
Santon Suite
The Santon Suite is a safe but separate facility within our inpatient unit. It offers an independent living environment and consists of a bedroom, ensuite shower room, lounge/dining area and small kitchen.
Patients can spend a short time in The Santon Suite at the end of their inpatient stay to help them prepare more fully for discharge home. Families and carers are also encouraged to spend time in the suite as part of the discharge process.
For more information on any of our rehabilitation services please contact Alison Christian, Senior Physiotherapist on +44 (0)1624 647422 or Jo Beard, Senior Occupational Therapist on +44 (0)1624 647447.
