My question is about the benefits of organising massage to complement OT and Physio therapy in an inpatient rehab setting (Qld public system).

Hi Melissa,

Thank you for your enquiry on EnableMe. I am sorry to hear about your dad’s stroke and the concerns you raise about his swollen feet and lack of weekend therapy. Do you find his feet are more swollen on the weekend? Is it also his left arm?

While there may be some benefits to massage for swollen feet, depending on the cause of his swelling, most hospitals won’t allow external staff in to treat due to insurance. You could check with the hospital but in our experience it’s highly unlikely.

We suggest you raise your concerns with the doctor and rehab team again to request a review of the cause of the swelling and advice on management. Identifying any medical issues is important. Following that it will be focusing efforts on management such as compression stockings or pressure garments, elevation and movement. If he is walking, getting up frequently and elevating both feet at rest is important. Even if he can’t walk, moving the ankles can be beneficial.

If you would like to discuss this further, please don’t hesitate to call us on StrokeLine 1800 787 653.

Warm regards,

Kath, StrokeLine