Sunday 8 September is World Physiotherapy Day – a day to celebrate the incredible work physiotherapists do to help people live with dignity, comfort and independence. 

At Ashgate Hospice, our Physiotherapy team works with people living with life-limiting or incurable illnesses to help them manage symptoms, maintain mobility and keep doing the things that matter most to them. We caught up with physiotherapist Lucy Sutton to find out more about what her role involves, and why it’s about so much more than exercises and mobility aids. 

“We’re here to help people stay in control of their own lives for as long as possible.”

Physiotherapy is all about helping people move better, feel better and live better. “We work with anyone affected by injury, illness or disability,” explains Lucy. “At the hospice, that means supporting patients with pain, breathlessness, fatigue and other symptoms so they can hold onto their independence for as long as possible.”

It’s not a one-size-fits-all approach. “Every patient’s journey is different. We take the time to really understand what matters to them, whether that’s walking to the garden, playing with grandchildren, or just getting a good night’s sleep, and we build their care around that.”

Physiotherapy in hospice care – a joined-up approach

Lucy works across every part of Ashgate’s care, from the Inpatient Unit and Day Services to home visits in the community. “We’re part of a brilliant multidisciplinary team – nurses, doctors, occupational therapists, social workers, supportive care specialists. We work together so patients get holistic, joined-up support, without feeling overwhelmed by lots of separate visits.”

Unlike in hospitals, hospice physiotherapy is focused entirely on improving quality of life. “We use techniques like acupuncture, relaxation, TENS therapy and gentle exercise programmes to help people feel more comfortable and confident. It’s about making life that bit easier, even when things are really tough.”

Making a real impact

Lucy recalls a patient struggling with lower back pain, made worse by the side effects of strong medication. “We tried acupuncture once a week for six weeks, and by the end, his pain had reduced so much he was sleeping through the night, planning a holiday and going on walks with his grandchildren again. Seeing that improvement in quality of life is amazing.”

Breaking myths

One of the biggest misconceptions about hospice physiotherapy? “People think hospices are just where people go right at the very end of life. That’s not true, many people live for months or even years with their condition. We can support them throughout that time to help manage symptoms, maintain independence and make the most of every day.”

Why Lucy loves her role

Lucy has worked at Ashgate for eight years, and no two days are ever the same. “We start with a morning handover, but plans can change quickly depending on patients’ needs. Some days I’m on the ward, others I’m out visiting patients at home. It can be emotionally tough, but it’s also a real privilege. To walk alongside patients and the people important to them at such an important time in their lives is incredibly humbling, and knowing you’ve made even a small difference is so rewarding.”

Looking ahead

Lucy and her team are always developing new ways to support patients. “We’ve introduced auricular acupuncture, using tiny needles around the ear, which has helped people with cancer-related night sweats and complex pain. We’re also creating a falls information leaflet to help patients and carers stay safe at home. Ultimately, we want physiotherapy to be embedded throughout every patient’s journey so everyone has access to high-quality rehabilitation, wherever they are.”

“Physiotherapy isn’t just about movement, it’s about living well, even when time is short. If we can help someone feel more comfortable, more confident and more in control, that’s everything.” – Lucy Sutton, Physiotherapist at Ashgate Hospice

Want to learn more about how our teams help people live well with life-limiting or incurable illness? Explore our services and see how we’re here to support you and those important to you.