A new hydrotherapy rehabilitation course is helping Worcestershire breast cancer patients reduce pain and regain movement.

The course at Worcestershire Royal Hospital is the first of its kind in the Midlands and has already treated more than 50 patients during a six-month trial period.

The course is now set to continue as the Worcestershire Breast Unit Haven Charity has agreed to provide funding indefinitely.

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The hydrotherapy group, ‘The Worcester Waders’, is available to anyone who has had treatment including surgery, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy for breast cancer.

It involves carrying out physiotherapy exercises in a warm water swimming pool to help aid rehabilitation following treatment.

The course also provides an opportunity for breast cancer survivors to meet others who have been through a similar experience.

The initial six-month trial period of the course proved successful with all 53 participants reporting an improvement in their range of movement.

Participants reported their ‘quality of life’ improving from an average of 5.7 out of 10 before the course, to an average of 7.6 after completing the course.

A majority of patients rated the pain in their arms, shoulders, or hands before the course as ‘moderate’, whereas the most common answer after completing the course was ‘none’.

Radiographer Molly Jones, who helped set up the group and leads some of the sessions, said: "I saw the benefits that a course like this could have from an oncology centre in Taunton.

"But whereas they ran the course on a one-to-one basis, I thought it could also be a good opportunity to provide the more social aspect of a group session, as for a lot of ladies this is their first time in a swimming costume since their treatment which can significantly impact their fitness level and body image.

"The patients who took part in our trial fed back that they loved completing the course, found it really enjoyable and experienced marked improvement in their physical and mental health.

"We’re really grateful to the Worcestershire Breast Unit Haven Charity for agreeing to keep funding the course and all the radiographers who have given up their time to run the course."