Well-being therapies

Well-being therapy services

We believe that a holistic approach to mental health through combining physical, emotional and spiritual well-being is vital to long-term mental health. As a result, we have developed a unique physical health and well-being programme to support our patients’ overall health and well-being, and, if clinically appropriate, to complement our other therapy treatments.

Well-being therapies are proven to promote relaxation and stress relief, re-connect the mind and body, release muscular tension often associated with stress and anxiety as well as boost the immune system.

Gymnasium

Exercise is an integral part of overall mental and physical health. Nightingale Hospital offers a gymnasium for patient use when an individual is not participating in group therapy programmes.

A personal trainer employed by the hospital will offer patients an initial assessment, and then tailor an exercise programme for them based on their fitness level and goals. This is a free ‘drop-in’ service that occurs Wednesday each week. Additional sessions including 1-1 sessions can be purchased at an additional cost. 

All patients must have consent from their consultant psychiatrist before using the gym. For instance, as part of a specialist eating disorder treatment plan, patients may not be permitted to use exercise facilities.

Diet and nutrition

The nutritionist programme is exploring eating patterns and identifies areas that require attention to balanced nutrition. The nutritionist programme will improve physiological and psychological health and well-being. Nightingale Hospital nutritionist programme, for inpatient, day patient and outpatient, includes an assessment of current patterns and evidence-based advice on what changes to make.

Massage and bodywork therapies

The hospital provides numerous bodywork therapies in-house, which can be accessed at an additional cost. These services are available to inpatients, day patients and outpatients. Massage therapy involves the manual manipulation of muscles and connective tissues to enhance a person’s health and well-being to help relax and relieve muscle soreness.

Massages we offer:

• Therapeutic massage – 30, 60 or 90 minutes
• Deep tissue/Remedial massage – 30, 60 or 90 minutes
• Lymphatic drainage massage – 60 or 90 minutes
• Seated acupressure/Indian head massage – 30 minutes
• Thai foot massage – 30 minutes
• Organic skincare facials and facial massage

Please note, that all bodywork therapies have been temporarily suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The hospital will look to reintroduce these services once it is pronounced safe to do so.

Fitness and well-being group

The ‘fitness and well-being group’ aims at increasing insight into how fitness plays an important role in mental health and well-being. The group is divided into two parts, focusing both on an educational and a practical approach to fitness.

The group is led by the hospital’s employed personal trainer, who has experience (how long) in dealing with patients within the hospital.

The aim of the educational part of the group is to understand how fitness can be a positive tool for overall well-being. In the practical section, the group will focus on a varied application of physical movement. Sometimes this may include mobilisation and stretching to alleviate muscle tightness, and overall stiffness and promote relaxation. Alternatively, sometimes the group will include a light but stimulating workout, aimed at promoting a release of endorphins.

This group is currently only available to general psychiatry and addictions inpatients.

Yoga

Yoga combines physical and mental practices that originated more than 3,000 years ago. It is designed to be a restorative and energising exercise.

Yoga can alleviate mental health issues such as loss of memory and mood disorders, depression, anxiety, sleep problems, panic attacks, addiction, and phobias. The breathing and relaxation methods are calming and very effective in relieving stress and emotional distress.

Nightingale Hospital includes yoga classes in inpatient and day-patient therapy programmes.

Tai-Chi

Tai-Chi was originally developed as a martial art in the 13th century in China, and centres around deep breathing, relaxation and flowing movements. It is now practised around the world as a well-being exercise with many health benefits.

Tai Chi sessions take place in the inpatient group therapy programme for the treatment of general mental health problems, including addictions.

Sleep and energy therapy

Sleep is very important for good physical and mental health. Sleep therapy helps with identifying problems that may be unaddressed that are contributing to your lack of sleep, as it can commonly be a symptom of other mental health problems. Addressing these issues can help the stress that is keeping you awake. The resulting disturbance in sleep can then develop into its’ own problem with accompanying poor concentration and mood, contributing to a vicious cycle.