South West MS Centre
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What is Multiple Sclerosis?
Multiple Sclerosis is the most common neurological disorder affecting young adults in the UK. It is a complex and unpredictable condition. At present there is no cure but, given access to a variety of therapies, accurate and constructive information and support, the adjustment to the diagnosis may not be as traumatic or feared.
Multiple Sclerosis is an autoimmune disease. Myelin is the tissue covering the nerve fibres - a bit like the insulation of an electrical cable. In MS damage or scarring occurs to the myelin sheath which disrupts the way in which messages or nerve impulses are carried to and from the brain. This can interfere with a range of the bodies functions depending on the position and extent of the lesions within the central nervous system. Symptoms vary, but can include fatigue, visual problems, pins and needles, impaired balance, weakness in limbs and bladder problems.
What does the MS Centre do?
The South West MS Centre was established in Exeter
in 1982. It is a self funding charity and a registered
member of the Multiple Sclerosis National Therapy
Centres. The Centre operates and conforms to the
recognised protocols and maintains the Healthcare
Commission registration standards.
We offer a range of therapies including high dosage
oxygen therapy, physiotherapy, reflexology, massage
therapy, counselling, yoga and t’ai chi, employing
professionally qualifies therapists. With access to up to
date information on research and welfare developments
we have direct experience and knowledge of MS
putting us in a good position to give help and advice to
those who are newly diagnosed, have more established
MS or are a family member or carer.
Whilst the Centre has been developed primarily to
assist people living with MS, our services are open
to all.
For further information please call 01392 447411 or use the Contact page.
Oxygen Therapy
Oxygen is the healing element in the atmosphere. It is
essential to the health of every one of the tissues in the
body. Any tissue injury requires oxygen for healing.
Evidence from controlled trials carried out by The
Multiple Sclerosis National Therapy Centres shows
that the use of high dosage oxygen therapy for Multiple
Sclerosis is beneficial.
The process by which damage
to the nervous system is caused cannot be prevented
but giving the body additional oxygen increases its
ability to heal and can limit some of the damage
caused by the disease. Early and on-going oxygen
therapy may prevent the tissue damage that eventually
leads to scar formation. Studies show that in patients
with established sclerosis regular treatment can limit
inflammation and may reduce the progression of
the disease.
The South West MS Centre has two high dosage
oxygen chambers, fully maintained to Healthcare
Commission standards and operated by fully
trained and qualified members of staff.
Download the South West MS Centre - Therapies PDF guide here.
Therapies
Just some of the many therapies that are available at the South West MS Centre:
Physiotherapy
IMF – Intention Myofeedback Therapy
Balance Master
Vibrogym
Massage and Indian Head Massage
Reflexology
Yoga
T’ai Chi
Energy Psychology
Acupuncture
Aromatherapy
Bowen Technique
Hypnotherapy
Download the South West MS Centre - Therapies PDF guide here.