Therapy Outpatients Services
- Breast care
The Women’s Health physiotherapy team also treat patients undergoing treatment for breast cancer. This includes men and women who have undergone mastectomies, lymph node surgeries, wide local excision with lymph node surgery, and breast reconstructive surgeries following a breast cancer diagnosis. We can see patients pre-operatively, on the ward or at out-patient appointments post-operatively. We advise about exercise regimes and arm care to try to prevent problems post-operatively, and can provide treatments for cording, soft tissue and scar restrictions and post-operative shoulder problems.
- Cardiac rehab
- Electrolysis
Who are we?
The Electrolysis Clinic is a private outpatient service which has been an integral part of Core Therapies at Royal Preston Hospital for over 30 years. It is available to all, through self- referral.
What do we do?
Electrolysis is the only method of permanent hair removal. It works by passing a small electric current, through a fine probe, to the hair root and repeated treatments destroy the hairs development. It is difficult to give a time scale for treatment as every individual will respond differently and there may be other factors which may influence treatment. The electrologist will discuss this in a consultation along with checking for contra-indications and outlining a treatment plan.
We also offer Advanced Cosmetic Procedures (ACP) for the treatment of thread veins, spider naevus, Campbell de Morgan spots and Milia. ACP also uses electrolysis to treat other skin blemishes such as Seborrheic Keratosis, Skin Tags, Xanthelasma, Syringoma, Mole Reduction and more. Please note that some lesions may require a letter of formal diagnosis from a GP or Consultant prior to treatment.
For more information, please contact Sarah Gahan on sarah.gahan@lthtr.nhs.uk or telephone 01772 522585
Clinic opening times.
Monday 08.00 – 16.00
Tuesday 08.00 – 16.00
Thursday 08.00 – 16.00
- Falls
The role of the Physiotherapist and Occupational Therapist within the Falls Management and Fracture Prevention Service is to provide a comprehensive, interdisciplinary assessment and individually tailored treatment programme including:
- Education on falls risk and risk management
- Home Assessment,
- Equipment provision
- Individual exercise prescription focussing on strength and balance work
- Signposting and onward referral to other agencies such as Age UK and community therapy teams.
- Hand therapy
The team
Our hand therapy team includes qualified occupational therapists (OT’s) and physiotherapists (PT’s) who undertake post graduate training in the management of acquired hand conditions and trauma.
Contact Information Hand Therapy Department Royal Preston Hospital
01772 522876
Hand Therapy Department Chorley and South Ribble Hospital
01257 245763
Referrals
We treat inpatients and outpatients within the Preston and South Ribble district and due to the Trusts status as a major trauma centre we are also able to offer a service to patients within the tertiary boundaries of Lancashire and South Cumbria
Referrals are received from six plastic consultants and two orthopaedic hand consultants.
Please be aware that if you fail to attend an appointment you may be discharged from the hand therapy service.
Treatment programmes
Treatment programmes are tailored to individual needs. To achieve the best outcomes it is important that patients are actively involved in their treatment programme and participate in a home exercise programme.
We treat a wide range of hand conditions, including:
- Fractures,
- Joint dislocations,
- Tendon, nerve and soft tissue injuries,
- Burns,
- Arthritis,
- Joint replacements, and
- Elective surgical procedures.
Hand therapy interventions include:
- Manual therapy
- Exercise programmes
- Dynamic and static splinting
- Scar & oedema management
- Pre and post operative assessment/treatment
- Sensory re-education/desensitisation
- Functional assessment/advice re return to work and recreational activity
- Electrotherapy
- Computerised Upper Limb Exerciser
- Acupuncture
- Home Oxygen Service –Assessment and Review Team (HOS-AR)
Home Oxygen is prescribed for those with long term low oxygen levels (chronic hypoxia). The HOS-AR team at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals is made up of highly skilled Nurses and Physiotherapists, who provide assessments and reviews for those in the Greater Preston, and Chorley and South Ribble area.
The aim of the HOS-AR team is to increase the value of oxygen therapy as a treatment for people who need it in a way that is safe, clinically effective, cost efficient and, above all, patient-centred.
Hence the team works to:
- Optimise benefit from oxygen therapy
- Reduce harm from trips, falls, smoking, fire and oxygen toxicity
- Maximise value from oxygen equipment use
- Improve patient experience of having and using home oxygen.
Patients who are referred for Home Oxygen must have treatment for their underlying health condition optimally managed. Therefore all referrals must come via a Doctor or a Clinical Specialist.
- Musculoskeletal
Musculoskeletal Outpatients
Who we are
The Musculoskeletal Outpatients Physiotherapy Team is based at both Royal Preston Hospital and Chorley & South Ribble Hospital. The team is made up of Specialist physiotherapists and therapy assistants who are all passionate about offering a high quality service to our patients.
OUR AIM FOR YOU:
As an MSK Physiotherapist I will see my patients at a convenient time for them, in a safe and welcoming environment. I will be a caring and knowledgeable Physiotherapist. I will listen empathetically to their needs, treat them with dignity and provide high quality, effective treatment and information, to help them achieve their personal goals.
Our area of speciality is in the assessment and management of musculoskeletal conditions (conditions which affect the bones, joints, muscles, ligaments in your body). We receive referrals mainly from our colleagues in orthopaedics, the urgent care and emergency departments, and neurosurgery. We do not accept GP referrals.
What we do
As we are an acute hospital, the majority of our patients are recovering from a traumatic injury or surgery. Our role is to support your recovery, enabling the return of normal movement and function in order that you can return to work and doing the usual activities which you enjoy.
All treatment is individualised to each patient, and so we will work with you from the beginning to establish your realistic goals for treatment.
We encourage patients to take an active role in their own recovery and we will develop a self-management plan for you to incorporate at home. This will usually include some simple exercises to enable you to restore normal movement, strength, balance and function.
We also take a holistic approach to treatment, incorporating the social, cultural and psychological factors which may have an impact on your recovery.
Treatments
Physiotherapists use their expertise, the best available and up to date evidence and clinical experience to inform their decisions regarding individual treatment for each patient. Some of the treatment options which may be offered for your individual needs include:
Exercise therapy: Including individualised home based exercises to improve your muscle strength, increase your joint range of movement, and improve balance and general fitness.
Gym Classes:
We have a large gym space at both sites which allows for group classes. This allows you to use some of the more specialised gym equipment that you may not have at home in order to progress your rehabilitation. This can also be offered on a 1:1 basis if the group class is not suitable.
Click here to see more information about our gym classes.Manual Therapy:
This can include soft tissue and joint mobilisation which may be used in addition to your exercise programme if required.Acupuncture:
Here is our Acupuncture leaflet - Helping patients understand what to expect when having Acupuncture therapy
Electrotherapy
Your Appointments
The majority of our appointments are face to face though we do offer video and telephone consultations to many of our patients if this is your preference.
How it is arranged
Once we have received your referral, a member of the physiotherapy team will decide how soon you need to be seen and by whom. They will then pass this information to the administration team to offer you an appointment. Subsequent appointments will be arranged with you while you are in the clinic. You may receive a text message reminding you of your appointment.
What to do if you cannot make an appointment
If you need to change an appointment, please contact us on the telephone numbers below.
If you cannot make your appointment, please contact us to let us know as soon as possible so that we can rearrange your appointment. Failure to attend your appointment may lead to you being discharged from the service.
How long it will take
Your first appointment is usually between 30 minutes to one hour. Subsequent appointments are usually 20 minutes. As we run a very busy clinic, it is important that you attend your appointment on time. If you are late, you may be asked to rearrange your appointment.
What it will involve
We will use this time to find out a little more about you, ask you some questions about your condition and how it is affecting you, and develop a joint management plan. We may also complete a physical examination. This may include feeling the area affected, and assessing your joint movement, muscle strength, and balance.
What I need to wear
If you are being treated via video clinic or if you are attending the hospital clinic it is important that you wear, or bring with you, appropriate clothing so that we can fully observe the body part being treated if required, for example shorts or loose fitting exercise appropriate clothing/ footwear. If it is your neck, shoulder or back that is affected we may ask you to remove your shirt, this will be done in a private clinic space to protect your dignity.
How often I need to attend
The length and frequency of your treatment will depend on how you are recovering from your injury. For some operations, there are specific guidelines with timeframes and milestones to work towards in order for you to progress with your rehabilitation. We will work closely with you to ensure that you are progressing safely and achieving your goals.
Parking
Please see link below for information about parking on our hospital sites.
Contact us
Phone
Royal Preston Hospital
Lines are open Monday – Friday (8.30-16.00) – 01772 522876
Chorley & South Ribble Hospital
Lines are open Monday – Friday (8.00-16.00) – 01257 245757
Email: Coretherapies@LTHTR.nhs.uk
Text: Please reply to your text message reminder & one of our staff members will contact you to rearrange.
Royal Preston Hospital
You can find Physiotherapy at number 6 on the hospital map here
Chorley Hospital
You can find Physiotherapy at number 18 on the hospital map here
- Occupational Therapy Orthotics
Who are we?
We are a team based at Royal Preston Hospital (RPH) in the outpatient therapy department.
We have a Clinical Lead Occupational Therapist (OT), a number of Specialist OTs, Rotational Post Band 5 OTs and Senior Therapy Assistants, with a large skill mix.
Having such a vast amount of knowledge helps us deliver a client centred service with personalised care.
We are the only hospital in Lancashire who make the custom moulded collars and spinal braces.
Who do we see?
We see a range of patients, both paediatrics and adults, with a large variety of acute and chronic conditions. This includes:
- Preston and Chorley Hospital In-patients
- Patients from other hospitals in the North West
- Clinic patients
- Outpatients
What do we do?
We assess each individual patient holistically, and provide an appropriate splint/brace for their needs.
Within our department we are able to make bespoke braces and splints directly moulded on the patient as well as provide off the shelf orthoses.
We also hand make and provide all the Deprivation of Liberty (DoLs) mitts for the hospital.
What is an orthosis?
“A brace, splint or other artificial external device serving to support the limb or spine to prevent or assist relative movement” (Oxford Dictionary, 2019).
Why Occupational Therapy?
“Occupational therapy provides practical support to empower people to facilitate recovery and overcome barriers preventing them from doing the activities (or occupations) that matter to them” (RCOT, 2019).
Within this specialist area (Orthotics) the OT team problem solve the patient’s individual issues (fracture/pain etc.) by designing, making and implementing the orthosis to allow the patient to continue to do their Activities Of Daily Living (ADLs) safely.
“An occupational therapist will consider all of the patient’s needs - physical, psychological, social and environmental” (RCOT, 2019).
How to be seen by our service?
This is normally done by a referral sent by your GP or consultant.
Once we receive this we will book an appointment.We see patients during clinics Mon-Fri. If this isn’t possible the next suitable appointment will be made, taking into account clinical urgency.
Examples of Orthoses
Contact details:
Tel: 01772 522380
Email: OTorthotics@LTHTR.nhs.uk
Twitter: @OTorthotics
Address: Royal Preston Hospital, Sharoe Green Lane, Preston, PR2 9HT
Our poster
You can download a copy of our Orthotics Poster here
- Pain team
We treat patients living with chronic/longstanding pain at Royal Preston and Chorley Hospitals referred from the Pain service. Referrals from outside the area are also seen.
Treatment is led by the individual’s goals and values in conjunction with their physiotherapist. Our aim is to facilitate a patient’s understanding of their condition and provide strategies to help with self-management improving their quality of life.
Physiotherapy is part of the multi-disciplinary pain team which consists of Nurses Psychologists and Consultants. We work in collaboration with the team and receive referrals from all members of the team.
Patients requiring physiotherapy will be offered treatments which may include graded exposure to exercise, hydrotherapy, TENS and education.
We run several classes suitable for those who may not have been as active as usual with the aim of restoring their confidence in movement and exercise. Physiotherapy also plays an important part in the pain management programme IMPACT run at Royal Preston.
To access our service you will be referred to the Pain service from your GP or Consultant.
- Respiratory
Lancashire Asthma & Airways Service
The physiotherapists within this service are specialists in managing breathing pattern disorders and are trained in Buteyko and breathing pattern disorder management techniques. Breathing pattern disorders occur when a person’s normal breathing pattern is disrupted either by acute illness, anxiety or long term conditions such as asthma. As a result of this disruption patients can experience significant breathlessness, air hunger or difficulty breathing in, commonly known as air hunger. This breathlessness is normally in excess of what would be expected in the patient’s underlying chest problem. Physiotherapy retrains the breathing pattern to reduce these symptoms. Patients within this service are managed jointly by a team including Doctors, Asthma Nurses, Speech therapists and psychologists. Referrals should be made to the team via the Asthma and Airways team consultants.
Bronchiectasis Service
Bronchiectasis is a respiratory condition leading to increased sputum production and recurrent chest infections if not managed appropriately. Physiotherapy is the main treatment for this condition. This physiotherapy lead service helps patients manage their condition though advice on infection and lifestyle management. Patients are supported to identify an appropriate chest clearance regime which manages their condition, but fits in with their lifestyle. Referrals to this service are via consultant led teams.
CPAP (Continuous Positive Airways Pressure) Clinic
CPAP is recommended as a treatment option for adults with moderate to severe symptomatic obstructive sleep apnoea/hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS). Diagnosed both on severity of symptoms (daytime sleepiness) and by sleep study. Patients are set up with a CPAP machine as an outpatient and reviewed regularly to assess their compliance and symptoms. It is consultant lead with a clinical lead physiotherapist and Senior Physiologist undertaking the assessments.
Hyperventilation and Sputum Induction Services
The Hyperventilation service is part of the Airways Service, a team of health professionals whom predominantly treat people with Complex Asthma, Vocal Cord Dysfunction, Chronic Cough and Hyperventilation.
A physiotherapist retrains the patient in being able to breathe more normally and efficiently once the patient has been diagnosed as having a ‘dysfunctional breathing pattern’. This may manifest as a disproportionate or inexplicable level of breathlessness experienced during daily life. A Consultant Respiratory Physician will assess the patient first, before referring to the physiotherapist for treatment.
Sputum Induction forms part of a range of assessment methods which enable the Airways Team to diagnose Asthma as well as plan treatment in confirmed cases of Asthma.
Home Oxygen Service –Assessment and Review Team (HOS-AR)
Home Oxygen is prescribed for those with long term low oxygen levels (chronic hypoxia). The HOS-AR team at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals is made up of highly skilled Nurses and Physiotherapists, who provide assessments and reviews for those in the Greater Preston, and Chorley and South Ribble area.
The aim of the HOS-AR team is to increase the value of oxygen therapy as a treatment for people who need it in a way that is safe, clinically effective, cost efficient and, above all, patient-centred.
Hence the team works to:
• Optimise benefit from oxygen therapy
• Reduce harm from trips, falls, smoking, fire and oxygen toxicity
• Maximise value from oxygen equipment use
• Improve patient experience of having and using home oxygen.
Patients who are referred for Home Oxygen must have treatment for their underlying health condition optimally managed. Therefore all referrals must come via a Doctor or a Clinical Specialist.
- The Spinal Physiotherapy Service
The spinal physiotherapy service is a specialised service offering assessment, management and treatment of complex spinal conditions at both Royal Preston and Chorley District Hospital. The team comprises of specialist physiotherapists who work as part of a wider multidisciplinary team within the spinal service, which is led by the Spinal Orthopaedic Consultants. The service offers a wide range of treatments including Exercise Rehabilitation both individually and in class form, Manual Therapy, Hydrotherapy, Acupuncture, Tens, Education and Advice. The spinal service also works closely with other specialties such as Pain Management.
Spinal Exercise Videos
Before you begin the exercises, please read the below leaflet:
Engaging Your Core
Engaging Your Core Neuro.mp4 from Lancashire Teaching Hospitals on Vimeo.
Alternate Step Level 1
Alternate Step L1 from Lancashire Teaching Hospitals on Vimeo.
Alternate Step Level 2
Alternate Step L2 from Lancashire Teaching Hospitals on Vimeo.
Getting out of bed
Getting out of bed from Lancashire Teaching Hospitals on Vimeo.
Picking up an object from the floor
Picking up an object from the floor from Lancashire Teaching Hospitals on Vimeo.
Sit to stand
- Women’s Health Physiotherapy Team
Who we are
The Women’s Health Physiotherapy Team is based at both Royal Preston Hospital and Chorley District and General Hospital. The team is made up of Specialist female physiotherapists and therapy assistants who are all passionate about offering a high quality service to our patients. We ensure that all our patients are treated with dignity and respect and all information is treated in the strictest confidence.
The specialist areas of referral to our team are from obstetrics, gynaecology, colorectal and breast surgery.
What we do
Antenatal and Postnatal
We provide pre and postnatal outpatient appointments for women experiencing a range of pregnancy related problems. Women will be taught self-help advice and exercises to help with self-management of these problems. Further treatment options and provision of equipment may be provided depending on individual needs.
We receive referrals from midwives, GPs and obstetricians. We also accept self-referrals from ladies who are pregnant and up to 3 months postnatal via the following email
womenshealth.physio@lthtr.nhs.uk
Conditions treated include:
- Pelvic Girdle Pain
- Pregnancy related back pain
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Abdominal diastasis
- Bladder problems
- Perineal trauma
- Pelvic floor rehabilitation
We also run an aquanatal class once weekly at Bamber Bridge Leisure Centre on a Tuesday at 12noon. Ladies can attend from 16 weeks of pregnancy. If you have any specific medical or pregnancy complications, please ensure you seek confirmation from your obstetric team that you are safe to attend.
Gynaecology
We receive referrals from the GPs and consultants for the following:
- Prolapse
- Urinary incontinence including stress incontinence, urgency and frequency
- Pelvic floor dysfunction including, pain and sexual dysfunction
Colorectal
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