Complementary Therapies
Our complementary
therapy service offers a range of therapies to help alleviate the
emotions and symptoms that often accompany the diagnosis and
treatment of cancer. Patients have reported that some treatments
can help with symptoms such as pain, difficulties with sleeping and
anxiety.
They are available to patients, and their carers
who are inpatients or coming to the Christie for treatment on a
daily basis. If you are visiting the hospital as an outpatient (for
a first appointment or for follow-up), unfortunately you are not
eligible for treatment.
These therapies are designed to complement your medical care -
and don't replace your treatment.
The therapies we offer, all free of charge, include:
Our physiotherapy team also provide
- Acupuncture
- Lymphoedema Massage
To find out more, ask staff in the Rehabilitation Unit for a
leaflet on these services.
Best practice award and research
Our complementary therapy service was awarded the Prince of
Wales's Foundation for Integrated Health 'Best Practice' Award in
2003.
In addition to providing treatments to patients, a key part of
our work is to evaluate the many and diverse benefits of
complementary therapies through research
Massage
We can provide massage treatments tailored to your preference.
These can involve work on the hands, feet, back, neck and face. It
can be provided in a chair, massage couch or if necessary at the
bedside. You do not have to undress.
On the ward, sessions will be limited to around 15-25 minutes,
at a time when it will not disturb any other care you might be
having, or mealtimes.
If you can attend our rehabilitation unit, appointments will be
for 30 minutes. Please allow 10 minutes to rest before leaving the
unit.
Aromatherapy
These treatments use carefully selected essential oils to
supplement gentle massage. At present this is available only in our
Haematology and Transplant Unit.
Relaxation
techniques
Our relaxation sessions involve the use of guided imagery,
visualisation and gentle breathing techniques.
Snoezelen room
This is a specially designed relaxation room located in our
Young Oncology Unit. You can rest on giant cushions, listen to
music and receive massage surrounded by an array of beautiful
lights and bubble tubes. At present this is available only to
patients and families on the Young Oncology Unit.
For more information
If you would like to know more about complementary therapies
please contact:
- Peter Mackereth, complementary therapy co-ordinator on
telephone 0161 446 8236
- For further information and advice you can contact your local
Macmillan nurse or GP.
- It may also be useful to contact a local hospice or cancer care
centre about their services.
Below are examples of complementary therapy providers in
Manchester and Stockport:
- Beechwood Cancer Care Centre, Chelford Grove, Stockport 0161
476 0384
- Francis House Children's Hospice, Parrswood Rd, East Didsbury,
Manchester 0161 434 4118
- Neil Cliffe Cancer Care Centre, Wythenshawe Hospital 0161 291
2912
- St Ann's Hospice Heald Green, Cheadle, Cheshire 0161 437
8136
- Trafford Macmillan Care Centre, Moorside Rd, Davyhulme,
Manchester 0161 746 2080
For information about services nationwide please contact
Cancerbackup Freephone 0808 800 1234.
Supporting our complementary therapy service
This service is not funded by the NHS and so far we have been
self-funded through running training courses, fundraising events
and donations. If you feel you might like to help the unit in
raising much needed funds please contact Peter Mackereth or Joanne
Barber on 0161 446 8236
Smoking Cessation Services
The complementary therapy team also provide advice and
treatments sessions, which can include hypnotherapy, reflexology,
aromatherapy and relaxation techniques, to help patients, visitors
and staff to stop smoking and remain smoke free. These therapies
can be used alone or combined with auricular acupuncture.
For more information contact our "smoking cessation" team -
