Therapy Centre making a difference – and not just for MS

The West of England MS Therapy Centre in Bradley Stoke, Bristol.

The West of England Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centre moved to Bradley Stoke, from Nailsea, in February 2012. Since then it has made a huge difference to people in the local area and beyond. So much so that the Centre, a Registered Charity, is planning to extend its hours of operation to allow more people to access treatment.

Since the Centre relocated, nearly 200 new members have joined. In addition, numerous people travel from Nailsea and the surrounding area to continue their treatment. While GP and Consultant referrals are welcomed, the Centre generally operates on a self-referral basis so anyone who has been diagnosed with a neurological condition is welcome.

Treatments include: Physiotherapy with specialist neuro-physiotherapists, who also run exercise classes tailored for people with varying levels of mobility, from full mobility to very little; Oxygen Treatment in the 7-seater barochamber; as well as complimentary therapies such as Aromatherapy, Acupuncture and Reflexology. The focus of the Centre is to help people manage their symptoms, particularly those that impact day-to-day life, for example fatigue, poor bladder function, balance issues, spasticity and many others.

More than Multiple Sclerosis

As the name suggests, most Centre members are people who have been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, although people with a variety of other diagnoses – ME, Stroke, Cerebral Palsy and many more – also visit the Centre. To add to this, Oxygen Treatment is available for the treatment of sports injuries, from muscle strains to broken bones, to aid the recovery process.

Increasing availability

From mid-July 2014, an additional Oxygen Treatment session will be running on a Thursday evening at 6.30pm, to cater for people who struggle to get to the Centre during the usual opening hours. Depending on the popularity of this session, the Centre may increase the availability of Oxygen Treatment and other therapies ‘out of hours’. In addition, early morning physiotherapy sessions are available for those wishing to access treatment before they go to work.

An Olympic approach

A recent development at the Centre has been the introduction of Boccia classes (pronounced ‘bot-cha’). Boccia is the only Paralympic sport without an Olympic equivalent and the British Team is currently Number 2 in the world. Anyone can play, regardless of age, mobility level or experience. A Boccia trainer from Sportsray North Somerset recently came to the Centre to run a taster session which was really well-received. As a very social sport Boccia allows people to have fun in a group as well as encouraging some ‘healthy competition’.

Want to learn more?

To find out more, visit the website www.mstherapybristol.org.uk, email info@mstherapybristol.org.uk or call the main desk on 01454 201686 and a member of staff will be happy to speak to you.

You can also help keep the Centre running by volunteering, making a donation, or taking part in one of the many sponsored activities the Centre organises throughout the year – from skydiving, to being rescued from Portishead Marina by Newfoundland dogs, to abseiling the Avon Gorge, there’s something for everyone!

Oxygen chamber at the new MS Therapy Centre in Bradley Stoke

Photo: Oxygen chamber at the MS Therapy Centre in Bradley Stoke.

This article originally appeared in the July 2014 edition of the Bradley Stoke Journal news magazine, delivered FREE, EVERY MONTH, to 9,450 homes in Bradley Stoke, Little Stoke and Stoke Lodge. Phone 01454 300 400 to enquire about advertising or leaflet insertion.

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