M.S. Physiotherapy
If you are suffering from Multiple Sclerosis (M.S.), we may be able to help improve your physical condition. Based on our clinical experience since 2011, we may help significantly improve MS symptoms and quality of life over two to four months with weekly treatments each taking around 35 minutes.
As treatments progress you may experience benefits in one or more conditions such as walking, vision, balance and body sensations like tingling.
The Principle Behind the Approach
We recognise pain and tension around the cervical (neck), shoulders, and lumbar (low back) on MS clients. The pain and tension may be subtle and often hidden, only to be revealed through palpation, or gradually revealed over the course of treatment, i.e. the revealing process.
There is a positive co-relationship between this pain/ tension and many MS symptoms. That is to say, the location and severity of pain/ tension in the shoulders/ spine correspond to most MS symptoms.
Therefore, our treatment goal is to help the body let go of the pain and tension so that MS symptoms improve.
Symptoms Benefitting from Treatment
Based on our clinical experience, MS symptom improvements are as follows;
Initial symptom improvements (within 1 ~ 10 sessions); Upper limb symptoms, eye sight, balance, bladder function, sleeping pattern, general energy level.
Further symptom improvements (within 5 ~ 20 sessions); Legs stiffness, heaviness, moving with difficulty in lower limb.
Late symptom improvements (after 10 sessions); Altered sensation in lower limb, i.e. pins, needles, numbness, burning sensation in foot.
It is important to acknowledge that symptom improvements may fluctuate within the initial 5 – 6 sessions as the body often experiences increased tiredness during that period. Afterwards the symptom improvement can be steady.
Treatment Process
At the first consultation, between therapist and client, the client's medical history and symptoms will be discussed at length, including mobility, fatigue level, daily activities and other factors affecting quality of life. Afterwards, physical examinations, such as grip strength and visual field, will be conducted.
During treatment clients lie face-down on a comfortable treatment table. The therapist will gently massage head, shoulders, back and feet, and making you more relaxed for the next stage of treatment.
Then the therapist will gently stimulate parts of your body below the head, shoulders, upper and lower back to increase the flow of blood. In this way, the therapist helps the body release tension and facilitates the body's own natural healing process.
After each session, any possible future effects will be explained to you as the body responds and adjusts to the process. Your questions will be answered and suggestions made for things you can do between treatments to help with your symptoms.
Home Exercise Programme
We give clients a home exercise programme, which is specifically tailored to complement the treatment. It is of paramount importance to understand that clients take great responsibility to improve their conditions by complying with the home exercise programme. In addition, we will also go through general MS management guidelines including diet, stress management, etc.
Individual Treatment Plan
Based on our clinical experience, a course of weekly treatments may produce significant improvements in symptoms, including the eventual ability to walk and use stairs independently.
Most of our MS clients receive, on average, between 20 ~ 30 treatment sessions which can make significant improvements on all aspects of their symptoms. Initially, a block of 9 treatment sessions (initial consultation plus 8 follow-up) will be arranged.
In general, treatment is provided on a weekly basis. However, people outside of Scotland may come to and stay in Edinburgh for one or two weeks, to receive up to three times per week.
Precise treatment sessions for some individuals may vary depending on each person's circumstances, which will be discussed in the first consultation and reviewed as a course of treatment is completed.
“Two therapists" Sessions
A ‘Two therapists’ session means that two therapists work on a client’s various vertebrae at the same time during the treatment.
It is common that MS clients with more severe mobility issues present with greater pain/ tension in different parts of the body. Compared to the single therapist session, a ‘two therapists’ session helps symptoms improve faster. People in wheelchairs or with severe mobility issues are recommended to consider this option.
During & After Treatment
During treatment it is common that clients experience sensations, such as feeling warmth inside the body, tingly sensation in hands or feet, deep relaxation, falling in and out of sleep and occasionally other effects.
As the hands-on process influences the areas with symptoms and the whole body, such responses are positive signs that the body is responding and restoring balance.
During one to three days after treatment, you may experience tiredness, lethargy, increased stiffness and other effects. Again, these body responses demonstrate positive changes to your condition. Your therapist will discuss any of the responses during and after treatment with you. All questions will be answered to ensure you are confident with the progress made.
While the body eliminates long-standing toxins, various physical responses may occur which are normal and accepted as positive signs that the process is working.
Hopefully, you should be able to see differences in your symptoms from treatment to treatment, which will vary with each individual because everyone is different.
Between treatments, you should drink plenty of warm water, avoid cold and fizzy drinks, rest, eat fresh vegetables and fruit and maintain a positive attitude trying to let go of emotional stress.
Driving After Treatment?
We advise that for the initial couple of sessions, clients do not drive on their own. This is because clients may experience dizziness, light-headedness or other side effects. These are natural body responses from the treatment, and they demonstrate that gentle and subtle work can produce profound effects on the body.