Our Services
What You See Here, What You Hear Here, Stays Here.
Research into the use of Complementary Therapies in treating people with a cancer diagnosis suggests that they can aid in the reduction of stress levels, improve coping skills and promote a sense of well being.
At Dóchas we consider that the therapies provided are an important aspect of our service. Therapies are offered free of charge to all clients.
We offer a wide variety of Complementary Therapies:
Massage
Massage can help reduce both anxiety and symptoms for cancer patients. The focus of massage therapy is to restore health to the body. Massages for cancer patients are customised because understanding the clients individual progress, treatments, side effects and pain helps massage therapists determine appropriate areas to massage.
Reiki
Reiki is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. It is administered by “laying on hands” and is based on the idea that an unseen life force energy flows through us and is what causes us to be alive.
If one’s life force energy is low, then we are more likely to get sick or feel stress and if it is high, we are more capaple of being happy and healthy.
Reflexology
COMPLEMENTARY THERAPIES
Reflexology is an ancient healing art that was practiced first by the Egyptians and Chinese. Reflexology is a holistic therapy, in that it treats the whole body and not the symptoms of the illness, therefore most people benefit regardless of age or sex. Illness, stress, injury or disease can cause the body to go out of balance and Reflexology helps to restore this balance in a gentle way.
The Reflexologist uses only hands to apply gentle pressure to the feet. Each client is unique and will be treated according to their needs. Reflexology is a complementary therapy and the Reflexologist will never interfere with the medication or treatment your doctor has prescribed for you. Sensitive trained hands can detect tiny deposits and tensions in the feet and the Reflexologist will work carefully to release the tension and restore the free flow of energy to the whole body. This eases tensions and improves elimination and circulation giving the client a feeling of relaxation and well-being.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage Therapy
Manual Lymphatic Drainage Therapy, or oftentimes referred to as MLD, is a light, skin-stretching massage that helps promote the movement of lymphatic fluid from the swollen limb. It should not be confused with a traditional massage.
MLD is specifically focused on the lymph vessels to help the flow of lymphatic fluid. We are fortunate enough to have 2 Level 3 MLD Registered Therapists on site who specialise in the field of lymphoedema management with sessions available free of charge.
Physiotherapy
At Dóchas Offaly Cancer Support Group, we are pleased to offer a specialist physiotherapy service to support people living with and beyond cancer.
In line with the survivorship and rehabilitation approach of the National Cancer Control Programme, our physiotherapy service focuses on improving physical wellbeing, function and quality of life. Cancer and its treatments can affect strength, mobility, energy levels and confidence in your body. Our Chartered Physiotherapist provides individual assessment and personalised rehabilitation to help you manage fatigue, pain, stiffness, reduced mobility and other treatment-related effects.
Our aim is to support you to move well, feel stronger, and return to the activities that matter most to you — at your own pace and in a safe, supportive environment.
To find out more or to access this service, please contact our team.
Counselling and Creative Arts Therapy
Dochas Offaly offers a range of Counselling Services.
Counselling Service: The counselling service is available for all patients who have had a cancer diagnosis, their family members and significant others ( a partner or friend). Coping with cancer can be difficult. Patients and their families may experience anxiety, fear, anger, sadness and depression. These feelings can occur at any time during their cancer journey-even months or years later.
It can be very useful to speak to someone who is not personally involved. A counsellor will be able to provide emotional support by allowing you express your feelings and fears. He or she won’t tell you what to do but will help you see things differently and find your way through a difficult time.
We want to thank the Irish Cancer Society for their support through grant aid for part funding this service.
Creative Arts Therapy: At Dochas we have extended our available services to ensure we are able to support children and young adolescents aged from 4-17 years. At Dochas, we are now engaging the services of a Qualified and experienced Play, Art and Drama Therapist and a Life Coach which will ensure we can meet the child or young adolescent and support them at whatever stage of life they may be in. This service is not only opened to a child or young adolescent who may have a cancer diagnosis, but also children who may have a parent or sibling with a cancer diagnosis
Indian Head Massage
The benefits of Indian Head Massage are the easing of tension and promotion of a sense of relaxation, well-being and peace. Headaches and heaviness are relieved, muscles unknotted and other parts of the body respond in this relaxed state. A head massage takes 20-30 minutes depending on how much work is needed on the upper back, shoulders and neck. The upper back and shoulders can be massaged through clothing but is more effective working directly on the skin. Gentle oil such as almond contributes to nourishing the hair but oils can also be omitted.
Mindfulness
At Dóchas Offaly Cancer Support Group, our monthly mindfulness session offers a gentle, supportive space to pause, breathe and reconnect.
Living with and beyond cancer can bring emotional and mental strain as well as physical challenges. This session introduces simple, guided mindfulness practices that can help reduce stress, improve focus, support emotional wellbeing and promote a greater sense of calm.
No previous experience is needed. The session is suitable for all levels and is delivered in a warm, welcoming environment where you can participate at your own pace.
For more information or to book a place, please contact our team.
Other Services
We provide a wide variety of other services including,
- Cancer Thrive And Survive
- CLIMB - Childrens Lives Include in Bravery
- Myeloma Evening Support Groups (Monthly)
- Bereavement Support Group
- Art Classes
- Breathwork
- Womens Wellness Group
- Midland Stoma Group Meeting