Complementary Therapy
Treatment tailored to each person may involve a single therapy or a combination of therapies.
The team offer Aromatherapy (including Aromasticks), Holistic Massage, Reflexology, Reiki, Zero Balancing, The M Technique and Indian Head Massage.
Our approach
Our team of complementary therapists tailor programmes to each person’s needs. Sessions provide a safe space where patients and their carers can take a little time out of their daily challenges and achieve a sense of wellbeing.
Treatments may help alleviate many common symptoms such as pain, nausea, insomnia, muscular aches and low mood. We aim to offer the maximum benefit whilst disturbing the client as little as possible: comfort is everything.
Assessment
Upon receiving a referral for Complementary Therapy, a team member will call the patient or their loved one and complete a brief assessment over the phone.
At this point we will book the first appointment and then take further details, in person, at the first session.
Treatments
The team are able to provide complementary therapies to patients on the Inpatient Unit, as part of the Living Well Services, for patients in the community (within a 20-mile radius) and in our bespoke treatment rooms in the Bradbury Wellness suite at the Hospice.
We also treat family members and loved ones who are referred through to our team, who may benefit from the therapies we offer.
Videos
In addition, the team offer telephone support, aromatherapy advice and aroma sticks and have put together some online video demonstrations.
These videos include ‘How to give a hand massage’, ‘How to give yourself a hand massage’ and a ‘Facial refresher’ video, which may improve your wellbeing, or that of your loved one.
Each video offers step by step guides and are simple to follow. Do click on the arrow in the videos below to watch them.
We hope they are enjoyable and provide you with some additional techniques to support your loved one and your own care.
Patient's WifeThe Complementary Therapy Sessions have been blissful. While my husband has been going to the Living Well Service, this time has allowed me a chance to have some head space. I am so grateful
FAQ's
How many people do the complementary team support?
From April 2023 to the end of March 2024, 339 people were known to and/or treated by the Complementary Team.
What type of complementary therapies do you offer?
Therapies we can offer include:
Aromatherapy
The use of essential oils extracted from plant material for therapeutic purposes. An aromatherapist uses essential oils to create an individual blend to aid a feeling of wellbeing or ease specific symptoms e.g., sleeplessness, pain, nausea or fatigue. The essential oil blend is often used as part of a massage treatment; however, aroma sticks, or aroma patches can also be helpful.
Bowen Therapy
A gentle hands-on treatment that can be given over light clothing. It is a non-manipulative, non-invasive holistic treatment and soft tissue remedial therapy. The therapist uses fingers and thumbs to create rolling-type moves over the body at specific points in a comfortable way.
Gentle Release
Based on the principles of Traditional Chinese medicine. It uses extremely gentle hands-on holding techniques to support and release tension throughout the body.
HEARTS Process
(Hands-on, Empathy, Aromas, Relaxation, Textures, Sound):
A gentle, adaptable approach suitable for anyone, anywhere, without needing to remove clothing. Each session is personalised, using comforting touch and textures like familiar clothing or blankets. Relaxation, aromas, and sound may be integrated, often complementing other therapies.
Indian Head Massage
Indian Head Massage focuses on the upper back, upper arms, neck, shoulders, head and face. Traditionally performed over clothing in a seated position, it can help to ease tension, particularly in the neck and shoulders.
Massage
The massage we offer is holistic, biodynamic and fascia informed; these approaches work with the body and mind. Each session is unique, and variety of the touch is used, adapted to the individual. The therapist may work through towels, by applying oil or cream to the skin, through clothing or off body. The use of touch supports the ease of tension in the body and to promote a sense of wellbeing by soothing the central nervous system and allowing the body to come back into a state of rest.
Reflexology
Based on the belief that different areas on the feet and hands are related to different to parts of the body. The therapist will apply light pressure to these areas with the thumb and fingers to restore a state of balance and relaxation. The touch used is firm but light and should not be ticklish or painful.
Reiki
A gentle, non-invasive, hands-on or off energy technique. It seeks to promote physical harmony/ balance and have a positive effect on your emotional and spiritual equilibrium.
Fascial Unwinding
Working with the fascia, supports the body through gentle holds into positions of ease, releasing tension and stiffness. It is often combined with massage and carried out through clothes and in any comfortable position.
Sharon Wheeler’s ScarWork
An approach that assists with troublesome scars, where adhesion, fibrosis, pain, sensitivity and numbness become issues after surgery/injury. A range of hands-on techniques are used to increase functionality and ease in the area. No oil or cream is used.
When and where will sessions take place?
We provide outpatient appointments in bespoke therapy rooms in the Hospice’s Bradbury Wellness Centre, on the Inpatient Unit, in people’s own homes or as part of the Living Well Service programme
How long do treatment sessions last?
There is no set duration for a treatment, although they rarely last longer than an hour, this is your time.
Am I eligible to receive services and how can I be referred?
If you are currently using an Arthur Rank Hospice service, you or your loved ones are welcome to enquire about treatments. Please ask the doctor or nurse providing your care, to refer you.
Once a referral has been made the team will be in touch within a week to allocate an appointment or give an indication of when you are likely to be seen. For more information, please visit How and when to seek a referral or call the team on 01223 675824.
The service is free of charge, but if you would like to make a donation towards your treatment, please let your complementary therapist know, or click here to donate.
Are your services really free of charge?
Thanks to the dedication, commitment and generosity of the local community and the hard work of our senior leadership team to secure vital contracts with the NHS, all our services are free of charge.
Please visit our webpage (click here) to find out more about how we are funded.
Marianna, Complementary Therapist
Marianna Armstrong is one of the team offering complementary therapies to patients and their families or loved ones. She says: “Complementary therapies provide people with the space to achieve a sense of wellbeing. It is a real privilege to be able to help them feel relaxed and nurtured, which in turn impacts on their quality of life.” Discover more about Marianna in our colleague story.