Patients may suffer from symptoms such as pain, oedema and functional decline, which will affect their mobility and mood, making them stay in bed for a prolonged period of time. This will lead to muscle atrophy, joint stiffness and poor blood circulation which will aggravate pain and swelling, making them depressed.

Here are some simple home exercises to increase mobility and improve quality of life:

Relieve the tense muscles and increase joint flexibility, thereby increasing blood circulation and improving muscle pain.

Method:
Do some stretching exercises slowly until you feel a slightly tight sensation; stay in that position for 10 to 15 seconds.

1. Tilt your head
   
2. Shrug your shoulders
   
3. Raise your hands
   
4. Stretch your arms to the front
   
5. Raise one arm up and keep the other down
   
6. Put your palms together, point your fingertips downwards
   
7. Put your palms together, point your fingertips upwards
   
8. Twist your waist
   
9. Push your waist towards the front
   
10. Tilt your waist
    

Consult your physiotherapist in case of any questions.

Method:

• Do some simple exercises for 10 to 15 minutes every day
• Try to do it step by step; start with a shorter exercise time and gradually increase up to 15 minutes
• If your feel too exhausted or your heartbeat is too fast or too slow (over 100 or below 60), you should take a break. If the situation does not improve, consult your medical team

Consult your physiotherapist in case of any questions.

Purpose: Speed up blood circulation and maintain joint function

Trunk movement

Bridge exercise

• The patient lies on his/her back with knees bent, raises the hips, holds for one to three seconds then slowly lowers the hips
  

Swing your feet and turn your waist

• If the patient cannot stabilise the lower limbs, the carer can help hold the patient’s knees
• Instructions
  • The patient lies on his/her back with knees bent and placed together and slowly swings them to the left (the goal is to touch the knees to the bed as much as possible) then back to the centre to relax before swinging to the right
    (If the patient cannot control the lower limbs, the carer can use both hands to support the knees to control the movement)

• Inhale slowly and deeply without forcing it until you feel a slight swelling in your lower abdomen. Exhale through the nose or mouth. You can do it together with progressive muscle relaxation to enhance the relaxation effect
  
• Making use of a small fan when breathing will help achieve relaxation
  
• Slowly stretch out your arms and do the breathing exercise
  
• Rhythm exercises
  1. Bend forward and backward
     
  2. Rotate your body
     
  3. Move your arms and head
     
  4. Lift your arms
     
• For other breathing techniques (such as abdominal, pursed lip and coordinated breathing), browse Symptom management >Difficulty breathing/ shortness of breath

Consult your physiotherapist in case of any questions.

1. Supine position
2. Push out with your feet and relax
3. Clench your fists and release quickly
4. Tense your shoulders and relax
5. Screw up your face and relax

Consult your physiotherapist in case of any questions.

• Mindfulness exercise can increase our inner awareness without any judgment, bringing back our attention to the present to improve the problem of body-mind disconnection, stress and distress. Studies have shown that mindfulness exercise can effectively reduce stress and enhance positive emotions
• Mindfulness exercise cannot replace psychotherapy. Seek help from a professional if necessary
• Here are some online mindfulness exercises:
  • Mindfulness (Chinese version ONLY)
  • Practices on mindfulness (TWGHs Radiocare) (Chinese version ONLY)

• Other integrated activities training includes Tai chi (See Caring Tips> Psychosocial Support)

• Physiotherapy for palliative care(Chinese version ONLY)
• Home physiotherapy for palliative care(Chinese version ONLY)