Physiotherapy


"My Physiotherapist  explains everything in full detail to me which I really do appreciate and always has time to listen to me.  She makes be believe that the exercises that I think that I can't do, really I can, and I feel much better once I have done them!"

“ My client has had the opportunity to try functional electrical stimulation using a machine borrowed from the MS Therapy Centre. With the machine he has been able to increase his maximum walking distance from 200 metres to about a mile. This has enabled him to walk to his local shop and back with relative ease, a distance that was not possible without FES.
We are lucky to have a therapy centre locally where they have the expertise and ability to provide ongoing technical support and appropriate physiotherapy to make the best use of Functional Electrical Stimulation.” Dr Andrew Weir, Neurology Consultant, Royal Berkshire Hospital.

Physiotherapy

Passive is “OUT” …. Active is “IN”!

Physiotherapy treatment programmes are tailored to the individual needs of each person. Using the basis of careful and detailed assessments the physiotherapist draws up a physiotherapy regime specific to each patient.

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 patients can be shown how to help themselves regain movement and co-ordination.

Individual patients are encouraged to monitor their own progress resulting from their programme of exercise, and to use the gains made through treatment in activities of daily living.

One way of teaching and encouraging people is in classes that offer the discipline and mutual support of a group. A chat over a cup of coffee after a class is the ideal time to exchange information or find a listening ear.

Individual sessions are also available to work on particular problem areas. Physiotherapy has a vital role to play in helping people to cope with the daily challenge of living with MS. We use a neurological approach to physio to enable MS patients to:-

  • Learn to control and co-ordinate movement patterns.
  • Reduce spasticity and encourage more normal movements
  • Regain functional abilities

Physio can teach someone the importance of good posture and correct movement in everyday activities such as sitting, walking, rising from a sitting or lying position. The therapist and patient work together to achieve more normal and easier movement so that the patient can enjoy the greatest degree of independence possible.

The Physiotherapist can also instruct the patient in how to prevent secondary disability which may arise from disuse.

Download a leaflet on physiotherapy here.

Functional Electrical Stimulation

FES is a relatively new approach which helps people with their walking when suffering from drop foot.

With FES, electrical stimulation is provided in a safe way so that a person’s leg muscles are activated at the right moment to lift their foot and therefore makes walking easier.

FES can potentially help anyone who has a drop foot due to a neurological disorder. such as multiple sclerosis.

Download a leaflet on FES here.