Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy Team: Supporting adults affected by cancer and blood conditions

Physiotherapy uses movement, exercise and manual therapy to help people affected by injury, illness or disability.

Our physiotherapist will help you to maintain your mobility and physical activity before, during and after your treatment. They will offer you specialist advice and guidance on managing shortness of breath, pain, fatigue and muscle strength.

Occupational therapy aims to improve your ability to do everyday tasks. It can help you with practical tasks that you find difficult, such as washing and dressing yourself, or cooking meals.

Our occupational therapist will assess the challenges that you face. They will support you to do the daily activities that are meaningful to you, which will improve your independence and quality of life.

We have listed below some of the ways in which we can help.

We offer:

• walking aids, such as crutches or a walking stick
• rehabilitation programme before and after surgery
• specific exercise programme tailored to you
• advice on scar tissue massage if you are having surgery
• equipment to help you around the home, such as a shower stool
• advice on how to manage your fatigue
• advice on how to help with breathlessness
• referral for a wheelchair, if you need one
• tips on how to improve your cognitive function, such as memory
• advice on managing daily activities, such as washing, dressing and cooking
• support to return to sport and exercise
• support to return to work and leisure activities.

If you would like support from our service, please ask any member of your UCLH team to refer you. This is a quick and easy process. Once received, we will review your referral and add you to our waiting list if we think you may benefit from our support. We will then contact you for an initial appointment. Where possible, we will aim to see you alongside one of your visits to the Cancer Centre.

There are both physiotherapy and occupational therapy services available in an area local to you. The referral criteria vary between boroughs and services. If you would like to be referred to your local physiotherapy or occupational therapy team, please contact your GP practice.

You showed us what was possible rather than impossible. We appreciated that very much and your swift practical follow up. Thank you for your kindness and your expertise.

...have been amazing, knowledgeable and professional, and I really appreciate all that you have helped me with.

…improved function, mobility and most of all confidence.

…fundamental to my recovery and wellbeing during a challenging chemotherapy regime… I feel incredibly fortunate.

Since starting physiotherapy, I feel better. I always feel better after my sessions, and I feel fitter. My breathlessness is a lot better… I am now able to see my friends and family and go on outings without getting breathless... The exercise has also benefited my mood and made me think more positively.

The Macmillan Support and Information Service, located on the ground floor of the Cancer Centre, offers advice, support and information to anyone affected by cancer or a blood condition. You can drop in any time between 9am and 4.45pm, Monday to Friday, or call 020 3447 8663.

For more information about the service and what it offers, visit uclh.nhs.uk/msis

Adult Cancer Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy Team
Address: University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre Huntley Street, London WC1E 6AG
Switchboard: 020 3456 7890
Direct line: 07971 776 300
Website: uclh.nhs.uk