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

Melissa
Melissaon March 1, 2020
1 Comment
Dad had a stroke on 28 January 2020 and is receiving good care as an inpatient in a brisbane based rehab unit. He is learning to walk again having lost function on the left side of his body. The staff do a great job but due to resources therapy is not offered on weekends. The team have given dad activities to practice but it is 2 days of therapy lost (though we do our best to practice with him and massage his feet, hand and arms). At the same time we've noticed (and raised our concerns with staff) about his swollen feet. He knows to elevate his feet as much as he can, and staff will keep an eye out too. I know massage isn't a substitute for his Physio and OT sessions he receives Mon-Fri but the family were wondering if there were benefits in hiring a massage therapist to visit on weekends with a focus on his circulation. And if so, are there any Brisbane based services you could recommend? We don't want to cause any offence to staff and the care being provided. Appreciate your advice. Melissa
1 Responses
StrokeLine avatar
StrokeLine

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

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