Complementary Therapy

Our team of specialist Complementary Therapists offer support to patients and carers, to promote physical and mental well-being.

What is Complementary Therapy?

Here at Kilbryde our team of qualified Staff and Volunteer Therapists provide a range of interventions which complement the existing plan of care. The aim is to improve a sense of well-being through empowering and enabling patients and carers to care for their own health as much as possible. There are many different routes to this – we aim to find the one that is right for you. This can vary from Aromatherapy products for home use to attending the hospice for Therapies.

Depending on your health and current situation, certain interventions maybe more suitable for you than others. You will have an initial conversation with a Therapist to establish this and create a bespoke plan to address the things that are important to you.

Here are just some of the things that Complementary Therapies can help to address:

“Therapies helped me change my mindset
and look forward positively”

Outpatient

Kilbryde's Complementary Therapy Service

All referrals to our service begin with a consultation (often via telephone) at which your therapist will discuss your wellbeing and ways that our team can offer you support.

We provide therapies within the hospice building to Inpatients, Outpatients and (where appropriate) in patients homes via the Compassionate Lanarkshire (CLan) service.

We provide group sessions to patients attending our Day Services programme, on topics such as anxiety management, improving sleep and managing constipation. We also offer gentle seated Yoga classes within Wednesday Day Services.

All the Complementary Therapy services Kilbryde offers are completely free to receive and funded entirely by charitable donations. As such our services are limited. Our Complementary Therapy team do their best to see patients and carers as soon as possible but there is generally a waiting list for this service. We ask for your patience and understanding regarding this.

“That was probably the most relaxed
I have been in my entire life”

Outpatient

What support might I receive?

We provide many different forms of Complementary Therapy, from self-management support with tailored advice, and bespoke aromatherapy products (where suitable). If appropriate you may be offered 1-1 sessions which could include treatments such as:

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy uses natural essential oils extracted from plant material. Each essential oil has its own properties and benefits, and oils are carefully chosen and blended to meet each person’s physical and emotional needs. Aromatherapy oils can be applied during massage or through inhalation.

Massage

Massage is a hands-on therapy that involves applying pressure, kneading, and manipulating the body's muscles and soft tissues to alleviate tension, improve circulation, and promote relaxation, resulting in a heightened sense of physical and mental well-being.

Mindfulness & Guided Relaxation

Mindfulness is a practice that involves focusing our attention on the present moment without judgment, becoming aware of thoughts, feelings and sensations. Guided relaxation is a therapeutic technique where a practitioner leads individuals through calming imagery. Both practices help reduce stress and anxiety, and promote relaxation and inner clarity.

Reflexology

Reflexology is based on the principle that reflex points on the feet and ankles correspond to different areas of the body. By applying specialised techniques to specific reflex points - using the thumbs, fingers and knuckles – the body can be helped to achieve natural balance; promoting a feeling of general well-being.

Reiki

Reiki is a Japanese word meaning ‘Universal Energy’. During a Reiki treatment, the therapist seeks to help restore the natural balance and flow of energy in and through the body. Reiki can promote deep relaxation and an improved sense of well-being. The client is made comfortable sitting or lying and remains fully clothed throughout the treatment.

Shiatsu

Shiatsu is a form of traditional Japanese bodywork that supports and strengthens the body’s ability to balance itself. Although shiatsu means ‘finger pressure’, a practitioner uses a range of gentle touch, pressure and manipulation techniques over acupressure points to adjust the body’s energy flow. The client is made comfortable sitting or lying and remains fully clothed throughout the treatment.

Supporting Self-Care

At Kilbryde Hospice, we believe in providing everyone with the tools and knowledge required for effective self-care. We aim to empower you with the techniques, information, products and/or resources necessary to ‘help you help yourself’.

“I feel like I have a new back.
It’s not the back I walked in with”

Outpatient

Referrals

For referral to Outpatient Services please ask your GP or specialist nurse to refer you using the following form below. If you experience any delays you can also self-refer for these services. Please call Clinical Admin on 01355 202020 option 3 to speak to one of our team who will take your details.

In many ways, the care and compassion provided by (therapist)
brought me back to myself.
I’m indebted to the Complementary team at the hospice
for changing my life for the better

CLAN