Physical therapies
The benefits of physical therapy can be felt in many aspects of life, helping to build confidence, communication and self-expression.
Keeping family life moving
Our team of physical therapists work with children and families wherever they may be in their journey, to help improve everyone’s quality of life.
Our individual and group physical therapy sessions can be held in our hospices, at home, at school or even online. The Demelza team of physio and occupational therapists also supports community care services, and have experience working with babies, children and young people with complex needs and their families. They prioritise everyone’s safety, dignity and independence.
Complementary therapies
For comfort, relief and relaxation
We offer reflexology and Indian head massage to enhance our compassionate care and bring added comfort.
These can help to support children and young people affected by specific health challenges such as pain, muscle fatigue, poor circulation, constipation, poor sleeping patterns and nausea. They would never be used in place of conventional medical care.
What do physical therapists do?
Demelza’s physical therapists work closely with families, community therapists and other teams to build confidence and independence, focusing on children’s individual strengths and abilities. They also help make sure therapy recommendations are consistently applied wherever children spend time, such as support with moving and handling techniques at home or at the hospice.
A physical therapist can assess and advise on:
- Positioning
- Moving and handling
- Equipment needs and ergonomic changes
- Physical development
- Daily living skills (for example personal care, play, dressing, feeding)
- Respiratory physiotherapy
What is moving and handling?
From getting out of bed, to in and out of the bath, or getting around, all our teams are fully trained in moving and handling.
Download our short guide to moving and handling.
What is aquatic therapy?
Our physical therapists work with children at our Kent site in our fully equipped hydrotherapy pool, full of sensory toys, which can be used for both therapy and family fun and relaxation.
We're here to help
If you have any general questions or would like more information about our family services, please contact our team on 01795 845280 (Monday to Friday, 10am – 4pm) or email familysupportdepartment@demelza.org.uk.
If you're not currently supported by Demelza, please fill out our referral form to see how we can help.