Easing the pain through reflexology: how complementary therapies from Weldmar make the world of difference to Jean

For Jean, the arrival of Danielle, one of Weldmar’s complementary therapists, is a highlight. Whilst Jean, who is currently in Weldmar’s care, was already familiar with reflexology – the practice of treating different parts of the body through pressure points on the feet – it was Danielle’s approach that made the difference.

“The reflexology is brilliant,” says Jean. “I did have it many years ago so I was familiar with how it works. Danielle came to see me and asked if I’d like reflexology or Indian Head Massage – I told her she’s not messing my hair up! So reflexology it is, and it really helps.”

The difference complementary therapies can make

Complementary therapies at Weldmar are designed to work alongside medical care provided by the charity’s doctors and nurses. They help manage physical symptoms like nausea, pain, and insomnia, as well as stress and anxiety.

“When you know pain is coming, you tense up,” Jean explains. “This is the opposite. As much pain as I might be in, I can feel myself becoming calm, and that’s what I need. If I have pain, it seems to ease. Danielle sits on a stool in front of me, and when she’s doing the treatment, I feel as if I could just fall asleep.”

Care where and when it’s most needed

Jean lives alone since her husband died in 2022 – at Weldmar’s hospice in Dorchester – and although she has a network of friends who pop in and see her on a regular basis, she values the visits from Weldmar to her own home: “It does mean a lot for someone to come around and see me and chat about things. Weldmar Community Nurses comes to see me, and the first time gave me a pack with all the information I needed to know. The booklet was brilliant – I had no idea that Weldmar provided all these things, like the reflexology. I was quite surprised.”

“It really is brilliant that Weldmar provides all this at no charge.”

Pictured: Members of Weldmar’s Complementary Therapy team – Danielle, Sarah, and Anneliese. The complementary therapies available are Aromatherapy, Reflexology, Massage, Indian Head Massage, Reiki and Gentle Touch. You can find out more about this here.

“More care and support than you realise”

“I had a nurse come to see me from Weldmar the other day, and she was so nice and reassuring that I burst into tears. I never do that, not in front of anyone, but she just had a way about her that was so caring.”

Another Weldmar service that Jean is hoping to take advantage of is the Wellbeing Support Sessions. A keen crafter, she is looking to join the Arts & Crafts session, as well as the Relax and Pamper where she’s looking forward to getting her nails done, once appropriate transport for her needs can be arranged.

Jean says that the support from Weldmar helps her keep a positive attitude, which she says is really important in her situation. “They’ve even done things like given me a book so I can write down all my wishes, such as what I want to happen with my cat, which is really important to me.”