At the current time we have had to step down our Complimentary Therapists from face to face contact however you can still access telephone support (01495 717277) and other resources.
Living Well
The Therapies Team usually run a group called Living Well. It is a four week programme that helps patients to live well with their symptoms, no matter what condition they have. Two of the sessions led by the Physiotherapist are Breathlessness Management and Energy Management for Fatigue. You can download the handouts from the group below. If you have any queries our team are still available for telephone support on 01495 717277.
Living Well Energy and Activity
Management of Breathlessness
Alice our Physiotherapist is currently working from home and has put together a video on managing breathlessness. It’s suitable for anyone that is struggling with this, no matter what the cause. If your breathlessness is new or getting worse then always check with your doctor.
Relaxation Exercises
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.
One of the quickest ways to change our state ~ say from an anxious state to a calmer state is through our breathing…
Mrs Jones a bereaved relative that I have been seeing at our outpatient clinic until recently, mentioned during our telephone consultation the other day that the breathing technique that we had been practicing together has really helped “keep a lid” on her anxiety of late.
I thought it would be helpful to share this simple technique with the Hospice community.
It’s simple and easy to do and takes just a few minutes ~ best results achieved when you know you are least likely to be disturbed.
It can be practiced standing up, sitting in a comfortable chair that supports your neck & back, or lying on a bed. Just get nice and comfortable
If you’re lying down, place your arms a little bit away from your sides, with the palms up. Let your legs be straight, or bend your knees so your feet are flat on the bed or floor.
If you’re sitting or standing, place both feet flat on the ground. Whatever position you’re in, place your feet roughly hip-width apart.
• Let your breath flow as deep down into your belly as is comfortable, without forcing it. Your tummy should naturally rise when you breathe in and go down when you breathe out – that’s a good indication that you are breathing that bit deeper from your belly…
• If you can, try breathing in through your nose and out through your mouth ~ but it’s not essential.
• Breathe in gently and regularly, developing a nice easy and smooth rhythm. Some people find it helpful to count steadily from 1 to 5. You may not be able to reach 5 at first – that’s not a problem just breathe in comfortably
• Then, without pausing or holding your breath, let it flow out gently, counting from 1 to 5 again, if you find this helpful. Pursing your lips can help slow the outward breath too…
Keep doing this for 3 to 5 minutes.
Repeat this a couple of times a day – like everything ~ practice makes perfect and like Mrs Jones you may be pleasantly surprised with the results…
