Therapies and treatments
At St Luke’s, we offer professional therapies and treatments that enable our patients to achieve goals that are greatly important to them, helping people rebuild confidence and feel more in control during their palliative care journey.
Therapies and treatments as part of your palliative care
At St Luke’s, our therapy teams are dedicated to helping patients achieve their personal goals, no matter how small they may seem. From physiotherapy and occupational therapy to wellbeing services and specialist group programmes, we work alongside our medical and nursing teams to tailor care to your individual needs and priorities.
Enablement is at the heart of our approach. It’s not just about recovery or returning home, but about helping you live well. Whether that means improving mobility, managing breathlessness or anxiety, or making the most of precious time with loved ones, we’re here to help you make those aspirations possible.
Physiotherapy to improve movement, function, and symptom and pain management.
Occupational therapy to support independence in daily life, from self-care to work and leisure.
Group sessions to help understand and manage Fatigue, Anxiety and Breathlessness (FAB).
Wellbeing therapies, including massage, Reiki, reflexology, hairdressing, nail care and more.
Assisted spa bathing service, with as much or as little help as you need.
Treatments at St Luke’s
St Luke’s Physiotherapy Team provides personalised programmes based on each patient’s specific needs and wishes. Focusing on what’s important to you, we can help manage symptoms such as reduced mobility, breathlessness, muscle weakness, lymphoedema and pain.
We may offer:
Exercises to improve balance and strength
Gait re-education / maintenance of mobility
Falls prevention guidance
Breathlessness and secretion management advice
TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation)
Acupuncture
Lymphoedema support
Following a thorough assessment, we can work with you to set realistic goals and create a tailored treatment plan. We’ll communicate openly and honestly throughout and involve family members and carers where appropriate.
Our Hospice Care Physiotherapy Team works across all care settings, including inpatient, outpatient, and the community. Services run Monday to Friday, with one-to-ones and groups available.
Occupational therapy helps patients maintain independence in daily life, and in the activities that matter most to them – known as “occupations”, including leisure, self-care and work. Maximising function in these areas can help preserve a sense of identity, purpose and self-reliance.
At St Luke’s, our occupational therapists focus on removing barriers to these occupations, whether physical, psychological or environmental. We work alongside you, as well as your family members and carers, to set meaningful goals and identify practical, realistic ways to achieve them.
Support may include:
Practising daily living skills
Individual anxiety management
Energy conservation techniques
Equipment to improve physical function
Strategies to promote emotional wellbeing and social connection
Creative activities and therapies
The Therapy Through Nature group
We can also provide non-pharmacological support for Fatigue, Anxiety and Breathlessness (FAB), offering techniques and strategies to help manage these difficult symptoms. Learn more about our FAB group sessions in the section below.
To make our services as accessible as possible, our occupational therapists work across a number of care settings, including our at In Patient Centre, in clinics and out in the community.
Our Fatigue, Anxiety and Breathlessness (FAB) group is a 5-week programme for patients living with fatigue, anxiety and breathlessness as part of a palliative condition. You can attend if you experience one or a combination of these symptoms.
These sessions aim to help you understand what’s happening in your body and learn ways to manage your symptoms day to day. They also offer the chance to share experiences with and gain support from other group participants.
Our FAB group is led by the occupational therapy, physiotherapy and nursing teams on Thursday mornings at St Luke’s Hospice. Sessions combine guided teaching, practical learning and open discussion. You’re welcome to bring someone with you for support.
Our Wellbeing Team supports physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing, helping patients manage symptoms such as anxiety, stress, agitation, low mood or depression, pain, breathlessness, constipation, nausea, fatigue and insomnia. We focus on improving comfort and helping you feel more in control during palliative care.
After an initial assessment, we may offer:
Massage therapy
Aromatherapy
Reflexology
Reiki
Hairdressing
Nail care
Psychological and emotional support
We also run tailored skincare groups for patients following cancer treatment, providing practical information about changes to the skin and face and how to care for them.
Our Wellbeing Team works across all care settings, including inpatient, outpatient, and the community, Monday to Friday. You can expect a safe, welcoming space where you can tell your story and be heard without judgement. We’ll offer advice should you ask for it and promote self-care where possible.
We understand that as health changes, bathing or showering at home can become more difficult and less safe.
Our bathing service allows patients to enjoy a safe and relaxing spa bath in the privacy of our spa room, where mood lighting and music are also available.
While you’re in our care, our friendly staff are always on hand to assist you with as much or as little help as you need, making sure you feel comfortable and supported.
Access our professional therapies and treatments
St Luke’s is here for people when a terminal diagnosis has turned life upside down. We can’t change that diagnosis, but we will work incredibly hard to provide care, comfort and companionship throughout your journey.
If you’d like to access St Luke’s Hospice therapies and treatments service, you’ll first need to be referred.
Wellbeing activities for patients and loved ones
If you’re living with a palliative condition or you care for someone who is, our social prescribing service is here for you. Explore a mix of non-clinical activities to help you stay connected, supported and engaged during this time of change and uncertainty.
Other ways St Luke’s is here for you
FAQs about hospice complementary therapies
Therapies and treatments are available to patients receiving palliative care from St Luke’s, whether in the Hospice, at home or in a care home. These services are for patients only, although family members or carers are welcome to attend sessions where appropriate.
Referrals can be made by healthcare professionals on a patient’s behalf, or patients can self-refer by completing the form on this page or speaking to their care team at St Luke’s.
St Luke’s Hospice therapies service is available to patients receiving care from St Luke’s. Sessions take place at our Hospice (Little Common Lane, Sheffield, S11 9NE) and our Social Prescribing site (Ecclesall Road South, Sheffield, S11 9PX). Depending on the therapy or treatment, sessions may also take place in clinics or at home.
You can self-refer to this service using the form on this page.
St Luke’s hospice care physical therapy and occupational therapy can help you work towards goals that matter to you, whether that means managing symptoms, improving mobility or maintaining daily routines. As part of your palliative care, these sessions can support you in adapting to change, rebuilding confidence and feeling more in control.
Patient and Family Support Service Self Referral form for Patients
Please be aware we may need to liaise with your GP for further information
When you submit this form, it will not automatically collect your details like name and email address unless you provide it yourself.