St. Andrews therapies services

Physiotherapists help people affected by injury, illness or disability through movement and exercise, manual therapy, education and advice. They maintain health for people of all ages, helping patients to manage pain and prevent disease.

— Chartered Society of Physiotherapy.

Our physiotherapists work with both inpatients and outpatients, specialising in burns, plastic surgery, and hand therapy. The primary focus of physiotherapy is to optimise movement and restore function, while also preventing complications that may arise during recovery.

One aspect of physiotherapy treatment is helping patients improve their breathing, particularly in cases where patients need mechanical ventilation in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Most patients in ICU receive daily chest physiotherapy to restore normal breathing function. For patients recovering from head and neck cancer or ENT surgery, physiotherapy is essential to help clear the chest, manage the airway (tracheostomy tube) and restore general mobility.

Following burns, surgery or prolonged illness, many patients experience muscle weakness, loss of strength, and limited movement, particularly if they have extended periods of immobility. Physiotherapists offer specific and targeted rehabilitation exercises designed to support limbs, improve strength, and optimise movement.

A long period of not moving normally or being in bed more can lead to muscle wasting and joint stiffness, which can be painful and slow recovery. Physiotherapy is vital during this period, using a range of exercises and manual therapy techniques to restore strength, mobility, and function. We also help patients restore their normal levels of activity and mobility, enabling them to return to everyday activities with greater confidence.

Occupational therapy helps you live your best life at home, at work – and everywhere else. It’s about being able to do the things you want and have to do. That could mean helping you overcome challenges learning at school, going to work, playing sport or simply doing the dishes. Everything is focused on your wellbeing and your ability to participate in activities.

— Royal College of Occupational Therapists.

Our occupational therapists work with both inpatients and outpatients in burns, plastic surgery, and hand therapy. Our aim is to optimise functional movement throughout the rehabilitation process, considering both the physical and psychosocial wellbeing of each patient. We focus on helping individuals regain independence and re-engage in the activities they need and want to do.

Our treatments may include creating custom splints to support joint positioning following injury or illness, activity retraining (such as self-feeding, washing, meal preparation), and assisting with a return to work or school. In addition, we provide scar management techniques and offer education and advice to support the physical and emotional aspects of recovery.

The St Andrews therapy team consists of physiotherapists and occupational therapists who provide specialist care for ladies receiving breast reconstruction. Ladies will be reviewed whilst an inpatient for chest physiotherapy, mobility and exercises. Ladies will also receive physiotherapy outpatient appointments, and these will usually be carried out in a group setting. For outpatient appointments ladies will be reviewed every 2 weeks, the first appointment will be face to face and the second two appointments will usually be virtual via Microsoft teams. 

Your therapist will have detailed knowledge and understanding of your surgery and recovery. Your therapist will progress your exercises safely and in accordance with consultant instructions. Through exercises and education, you will be working towards returning to normal daily activities.  

Should post operative problems such as cording, problematic scaring and shoulder pain - this can be reviewed by a physiotherapist. 

During your appointments scar massage, breast massage, exercise and post-surgical management will all be discussed and taught. 

Please visit the Breast Reconstruction Awareness website for more information regarding the service and surgery – https://breastreconstructionawareness.org.uk. 

Our dedicated team of physiotherapists and occupational therapists, specialising in burns care, are here to support you at every stage of your recovery. We focus on helping you maintain joint mobility, improve strength, and ensure you can carry out essential daily activities.

Our experts also assist with managing scarring and preventing long-term complications, promoting healing, and improving your quality of life. Whether you are recovering from a minor burn or a more complex injury, we provide personalised care tailored to your unique needs. 

For more information about our burns service please visit the Burns service page.

The Facial Palsy Service at St Andrew's Centre is a specialist service dedicated to the assessment and management of facial palsy. This multidisciplinary service offers treatments such as physiotherapy, surgical reconstruction, and botulinum toxin therapy, addressing the functional and aesthetic impacts of facial nerve disorders. It caters to patients with both congenital (birth) and acquired facial paralysis, aiming to restore movement, symmetry, and confidence.

Led by an expert plastic and reconstructive surgeon, the team provides highly individualised care, combining surgical techniques and non-invasive interventions to optimise outcomes, tailoring your treatment plan to achieve the best results. 

We run both consultants led, and therapy led clinics, offering face to face and virtual appointments. To find out more, visit the Facial palsy service page.

There are several useful links that will assist you through your journey, offering up to date, professional advice. It's recommended to rely on these specific websites, as others might contain outdated or inaccurate information.

Facial Palsy UK — www.facialpalsy.org. 

NHS Choices Bells Palsy — www.nhs.uk/conditions/bells-palsy. 

Patient Guides — www.facialpalsy.org.uk/support/patient-guides. 

Patient self help videos — www.facialpalsy.org.uk/support/self-help-videos. 

A hand therapist is a registered occupational therapist or physiotherapist who specialises in the rehabilitation of patients with conditions affecting the hands and upper limb.

— British Association of Hand Therapists.

Hand therapy is a specialised area of rehabilitation that focuses on restoring function and improving the quality of life for individuals who have experienced injury, illness, or surgery involving the hand and wrist. It plays a crucial role in the recovery process, whether it’s following a traumatic injury, surgery affecting hand function. Their goal is to restore mobility, strength, and dexterity to the hands and upper limbs, enabling patients to regain independence in daily activities such as eating, dressing, writing, and performing work tasks.

Throughout the rehabilitation journey, hand therapists collaborate closely with the wider multidisciplinary team, including plastic surgeons and nursing staff, to ensure comprehensive care and optimal outcomes for every patient.