Physiotherapy

It is vital for people with MS to have physiotherapy sessions with a physiotherapist specialising in their needs.

In spite of the variety of symptoms of MS, there are certain important factors similar to them all. Hence different people with different symptoms can benefit greatly from the same set of exercises.

Some of the symptoms of MS, such as muscle weakness or spasm, occur as a secondary symptom to the initial nerve damage, therefore if the body is persuaded to move normally - even if its reflex responses have diminished - the adverse effect that abnormal movement has on muscles will be delayed. The aims of neuro-physiotherapy are:

We offer a neurological approach to help those with MS.

! Learn to control and co-ordinate movement patterns

! Normalise tone and encourage functional enhancement

! Regain functional abilities

     and most important of all ......

! to maintain normal patterns of movement.

These in turn will help limb control, reduce spasticity, improve strength, aid walking and act against further secondary complications.

Physiotherapy treatment programmes are tailored to the individual needs of each MS person. Using the basis of careful and detailed assessments, the physiotherapist draws up a physiotherapy regime specific to each person. The regime is adjusted appropriately following reassessment when the patient has made progress or when the symptoms of MS change due to disease activity.  Using this as a basis, MS people can be shown how to help themselves regain movement and co-ordination.

Our physiotherapist will encourage individual patients to monitor their progress resulting from their own programme of exercise and to use the gains made through treatment in activities of daily living.

Aromatherapy, Reflexology and Yoga

The effects of these therapies have proven beneficial in many cases. Sessions are available at the Centre and arranged according to demand.

WELFARE

The practical problems that MS causes in the lives of you and your family can often be eased by obtaining advice on welfare rights and facilities to help in disability. The Centre can provide MS people with guidance and the information they need to access the various forms of assistance obtainable (including statutory aid from, for example, the DSS) both locally and nationally.

Ask your Centre first (it will not be the first time your query has arisen), they will have the answer from the accumulated knowledge of dealing with MS questions over many years and from keeping up to date with changes in the 'rules'.