The Ayrshire Hospice - Physotherapy

Physiotherapy at The Ayrshire Hospice

Physiotherapists working in the Hospice are part of the multidisciplinary team and work in the Day Hospice and In Patient unit as well as undertaking domiciliary visits with the Occupational Therapist prior to patients discharge home.

The advice and assistance of the physiotherapist helps to improve the quality of life of hospice patients by providing individual assessment and appropriate treatment using specialist skills to alleviate pain and disability; to facilitate movement and independence by instructing and encouraging patients in various rehabilitation techniques and providing patients with correct positioning, gentle chest physiotherapy and exercises.

Physiotherapists also give advice and treatment of chronic oedema/lymphoedema.

What is Lymphoedema?

This condition is a swelling in an area of the body caused by a build-up of lymph fluid. It is caused by damage to the lymph drainage system either due to an inherited abnormality or as a result of cancer or cancer treatment. Lymphoedema is a chronic condition which although incurable, can be effectively treated.

What treatment is available?

There are two phases of treatment: the intensive phase and the maintenance phase.

Maintenance treatment involves advice on skin care, simple massage, exercises, hosiery and regular monitoring of each patient.

Intensive treatment again involves advice, but specialist massage and limb bandaging is also undertaken.

Lymphoedema outpatient clinic is located in our new building within the Physiotherapy Department.