Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Oxygen is essential to every one of the tissues in the body and any tissue injury requires oxygen for healing. Research at the University of Dundee has shown that, in the inflammation that is typical of MS, the transport of oxygen is severely limited by tissue swelling.

The body normally heals itself using oxygen from the air – giving additional oxygen extends the body's ability to heal and can limit some of the damage which the disease causes. This is because breathing oxygen under pressure causes the dilated and leaky blood vessels in MS to constrict back to normal size and reduces the swelling, due to fluid gathering, which can lead to cells dying. At the same time, more oxygen is delivered to the bloodstream so increasing the amount available to help undertake repair.

The aim, therefore, of oxygen treatment in MS is to minimise the amount of damage being caused, promote rapid healing and limit scar formation, which can prevent nerve function being restored. It is best to start treatment early after diagnosis, as soon as symptoms become apparent. Although many people report improvements in their symptoms, oxygen therapy is not a cure for MS. Oxygen therapy is available at the centre Monday to Friday.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is also widely used for the treatment of many other conditions including cerebral palsy, autism and stroke. Please contact us if you would like to find out more about whether or not oxygen therapy can help you.

Physiotherapy

Statistics confirm that physiotherapy plays a vital role in containing the effects of MS. Using a neurological approach, our physiotherapist offers one to one treatment to help our members improve, control and co-ordinate movement with a programme of exercise tailored to personal need.

We have some amazing equipment in our physiotherapy room, including a Balancemaster, a Multimaster toning table, and power assisted pedal machines. We will soon be very proud to add a Viofor bed, and Far Infrared equipment to our impressive collection.

We would like to thank The Hedley Foundation, The Foyle Foundation, Npower, and one of our longstanding members, for very kindly donating the funds to allow us to purchase all this equipment to help our members to remain as mobile and active as possible.

Reflexology

Since ancient times it has been believed that good health can be attained by alternate pressure applied to the feet. Through reflexology, energy zones from reflex areas in the feet reach their corresponding organs and body parts, giving the recipient's body a greater ability to heal. Benefits include stress reduction and improvement of circulation. Reflexology is available Monday to Friday.

Counselling

Initially, diagnosis of MS can be shocking and traumatic. People can feel angry, frightened, isolated and desperate. Our counsellor will do her best to help you and your loved ones come to terms with MS issues. Our counsellor is available most days.

Yoga

Yoga is the art of breathing, posture and meditation. Learn how the mind can affect the body, and the different levels of awareness we can develop. Keep supple and fit through the practice of Yoga, tailored to your abilities. Classes take place on a Monday.

Therapeutic massage

The ultimate relaxation. Massage promotes general well-being, can improve sleep patterns, reduce muscle tension, spasm, fatigue and stress. Massage is available most days.

Acupuncture

This system of medicine, almost 5,000 years old, uses tiny needles to help the body and mind gain maximum balance. Treatment is tailored to each individual and can help with the relief of pain, stress and illness. Acupuncture is available Monday and Friday.

Foot Health

We now have a foot health practitioner (similiar to a chiropodist) who comes to the centre every 8 weeks. People with MS do have difficulty taking care off their feet, even simple tasks that we take for granted like cutting toe nails is often impossible, and our foot health practitioner is here to keep our members feet in tip top condition.

Airnergy

A small, portable machine that creates energised air which feeds every cell in the body with oxygen. This can boost energy levels, boost the immune system and stimulate circulation. Recommended use at least 3 times a week for 20 minutes a time. Useful for many conditions and illnesses.

Theragem – Crystal Light Therapy

Useful for pain relief, tissue repair, increased blood circulation and relaxtion.

 

Viofor – Electromagnetic Therapy

Developed by the world’s leading authorities in the application of magnetic fields of medicine, the Viofor is a breakthrough in the treatment of pain and they symptoms of many conditions, basically improving the way your body works by enhancing circulation and increasing the flow of oxygen to cells in the body. Helps relieve joint disorders, sports injuries, migraine, neurological conditions and much more.

All our therapists are fully qualified in their particular field.