D was referred to Hope for physiotherapy assessment for Hydrotherapy at St Andrew Hospice. Hydrotherapy is one of the number of treatment options Hope provides to the Hospice.

D recent medical history includes lung cancer with bone mets, presented quite low mood and anxiety, following treatments she had generalised reduced strength and reduced mobility.

She had previously attended a weekly disability swimming, but had lost confidence with trying to swim and had not attempted breaststroke for many months.

A MYCAW (measure your concerns and wellbeing) outcome measure was completed. On a scale of 0-6, where 6 means “bother’s you greatly” pre-intervention Ms D scored 6 for both reduced strength in left hip and generalised reduced strength and mobility. In terms of general wellbeing, she scored 1 (only slightly concerned).

A block of 4 hydro sessions over a 4 week period was then completed. D was very anxious at the first session and apprehensive around physically stepping in and out the pool. However, by the final session she was confident stepping in and out and was able to swim breaststroke, co-ordinating both arms and legs and reported swimming 2 lengths of the leisure centre pool.

Post-intervention the MYCAW measure was completed and she scored 0 (doesn’t bother you at all) for reduced strength in left hip and 2 (slightly bothers you) for generalised reduced strength and mobility. Her general well-being score was 0 (feel best you can be).

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