Hospice of the Valleys

Our physiotherapist and complementary therapists can help you to manage your symptoms. They aim to help you live your life to the full no matter what illness you may have.

Physiotherapy

Our specialist physiotherapist can help you with physical problems associated with your life-limiting condition. Physiotherapy can play a key role in palliative care and focuses on helping you to improve and maintain quality of life and to enable you to be as independent as possible regardless of prognosis. Some of the symptoms physiotherapy can help with are breathlessness, fatigue and pain.

Living Well Programme

For our patients that can attend our Day Centre we offer the Living Well Programme. The four week programme aims to provide education and practical tips on how to self-manage a number of symptoms including anxiety, fatigue and breathlessness. Patients and carers can be referred to us for an assessment by any member of clinical staff at the hospice.

Complementary Therapy

Our complementary therapists work alongside the other hospice teams to help manage your symptoms. These might include insomnia, anxiety, constipation and other side effects commonly associated with treatment.

The therapies we provide are Reflexology, Reiki, Aromatherapy, Massage, Hypnotherapy, Visualisation/Relaxation techniques.

The course of treatments we provide will vary depending on individual needs.

A number of years ago Mat Atkins, one of our Complementary Therapists produced a Relaxation session lasting 20 minutes. Anyone who might feel that they may benefit from some quality “me time” during these challenging times can listen in and hopefully it will help.

The session is self guided and follows the classic relaxation sequence with positive suggestions for health and well-being and has received many positive comments and feedback from patients and carers over the years.

Reflexology

Reflexology is based on the theory that your feet are like mini maps of your body – with every organ and system interlinked to a corresponding region of the feet. By stimulating certain points of the foot, it can help revitalise energy pathways, reduce blockages and promote the body’s natural healing process; helping to address different symptoms and issues.

Studies have shown that reflexology can help to reduce the levels of stress hormones, thereby reducing anxiety and tension; lower blood pressure; improve sleep patterns and help with pain relief to name but a few.

Reflexology is a popular treatment here at the hospice of the valleys for patients, carers and bereaved relatives (as well as staff wellbeing)

Here a Hospice of the Valleys patient shares her experience of reflexology;

I was a rather reluctant participant to reflexology when it was first recommended to me. Firstly, I knew very little about it or whether it was effective and secondly, it involved someone touching my feet; I hate feet – my own included.

However, after months of various treatments including radiotherapy, a medley of medicine changes, seizures and other stresses and strains that invariably occur as a patient, I was willing to try anything that would make me feel the least bit ‘normal’ again.

Reflexology turned out to be the best medicine.

Surprisingly, there was no need to feel squeamish about someone touching my feet; there was nothing torturous or ticklish about the entire process. In fact, it was entirely relaxing. Pressure and massage applied to certain areas of my feet seemed to have a positive effect on other areas of my body. Sometimes, the effect was instantaneous; pressure to a certain point on my foot would cause ripples of stress and strain to evaporate from my neck, back or shoulders. Other times, the effects would be felt a day or two later; I’d feel more energised and less fatigued. Not to mention the positive impact on my general sense of mental health and well-being; being a busy mum meant that during the reflexology session I had a chance to get my mind back in tune with my body.

I am no longer reluctant about reflexology as a course of treatment; I leave each session feeling mentally and physically lighter, knowing that my body knows how to take and respond to the treatment. Reflexology is good for the sole and the soul.

Annie’s Story

I don’t know where to start ~ All I know is the Hospice helped my late husband, Phil, who passed away quite recently and myself get through a good few years of utter despair and for that I will always be truly grateful.

We first came into contact with the work of the Hospice when Phil was admitted into the local hospital and it was there that we were able to receive Complementary Therapy with Mat, how amazing!

Phil took a little convincing to try it at first, but it helped him so much to relax and take away a little of his pain and it certainly helped me by making my days calmer. The support from Mat continued on and off and I am still receiving support from Mat today, helping me to deal with my bereavement. Covid-19 hasn’t stopped the sessions – Mat calls me at a set time and I put the phone on loud speaker and away we go!

I can’t really put into words what the Hospice has done. Phil was poorly for a very long time, in and out of hospital, close to dying so many times, but the Hospice was always there for us. I knew they cared, making Phil feel special and it made him feel safe, he told me this on many occasions.

The visits by the Hospice nurses helped me and Phil as well. They seemed to know how I was feeling, without me having to say anything.

All through our journey, I had another special person who supported me through some dreadful times and that is Jill Bowen (Social Worker at the Hospice). Jill has been my angel! It’s difficult to explain to an outsider just how ill Phil was – but whatever the situation Jill has been there for me. I could tell Jill anything, she helped me so much and like my contact with Mat it continues throughout the Covid-19 crisis.

When Phil passed away at our home, Jill knew that I was on my own and she came over to support me. She gave me comfort and support during those hours. I will never forget that day and what she has done for me

Dr Dylan Harris, the Consultant was so gentle with Phil and made sure in his last days that he wasn’t in any pain, as far as we could tell.

The Hospice at Home Team were so lovely, especially Nanette, who Phil liked so much – such a lovely caring person.

Reverend Roy Watson, the Hospice Chaplain came to see us and it was lovely to see Phil’s face light up when they discussed sport. Just before Phil deteriorated Roy mentioned in passing that he could bring his case for communion if wanted and to my amazement Phil asked if he could have communion the next time Roy visited. I can’t begin to say how beautiful and moving it was. I think Phil realised his time was near, he hadn’t been to church much, but it gave him comfort.

By chance I mentioned to Jill that it would be so lovely if Roy could take the service at the crematorium and he agreed. This was during the height of lockdown, so all social distancing measures and restrictions were in place, but it was a wonderful service – another big thank you!

There must be many people like me and my husband receiving help and support from the Hospice – but they make you feel as if you are the only people important to them – Thank you angels X

Therapies

Annie’s Story

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