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Frequently Asked Questions |
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| Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centres (Scotland) Home Page Location Map of Therapy Centres in Scotland Contact Details |
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Why do the Centres exist? In a perfect world the NHS would have time and resources to give everyone with Multiple Sclerosis the opportunity to help control their symptoms with their own choice of additional therapies, such as HBO and reflexology, and to have a hand in planning their own programme of physiotherapy with the aid of someone experienced in this specialised field. There is a real need, also, for patients and their carers to have ready access to information, and to meet others informally and hear how they are coping with the same problems. In reality, many people feel isolated and powerless. An appointment with their GP provides help on immediate problems, but is seldom long enough to discuss everything. The same applies to visits to a neurologist. Dedicated long-term physiotherapy is essential from first diagnosis to maintain maximum mobility, but with NHS physiotherapy departments already over-worked, there can be a long waiting list for "non-urgent" treatment. And information for the newly diagnosed, anxious about what to expect, can be either over-pessimistic or so sketchy as to be no help at all. The first Centre was set up 20 years ago by people with MS to provide help, support and advice for people with Multiple Sclerosis and their families and carers. They are not intended as an alternative to the usual treatments, but as a source of extra therapies, contact and information. To date, more than 1,400,000 HBO sessions have been completed, and countless sessions of physiotherapy, reflexology and other therapies. The Centres help to improve the quality of life and have an atmosphere which is essentially cheerful and informative. |
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Where are the Centres? There are MS Therapy Centres throughout Scotland. They are in Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, Inverness, Kirkwall, Lochgilphead, Oban, Portree, Stirling, Wick. We hope to add Centres soon in the Isle of Mull, in Dunoon, and in Shetland To see
which Centre is nearest to you, go to For postal and email addresses, and telephone numbers, go to Contact details There are
also many Centres throughout England, Wales and Ireland. |
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How many people use the Scottish Centres? Throughout Scotland at least 500 people with MS visit the Centres each week to receive appropriate therapies on a regular and frequent basis. |
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How are they run? The Centres are self-help organisations of people with MS and their families and friends. Each has a committee elected from among their members and supporters. The Centres are managed by qualified personnel, including physiotherapists, chamber operators and managers. Care assistants are trained in some of the Centres, providing employment, and trained volunteers are invaluable. Twice a year representatives from all the Centres meet together to exchange experiences and discuss matters that affect them all. |
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What therapies are available at the Centres? Therapies include physiotherapy (maintained), hyperbaric oxygen, reflexology, aromatherapy, acupuncture, and counselling, and advice is available on nutrition, continence and welfare and other aspects of MS. Some Centres can also offer such services as the services of an MS nurse, massage, shiatsu, hairdressing and chiropody, and help with transport. Some hold courses for members in fatigue management, memory enhancement, and other aspects of MS, and all are places to meet others who are coping with the demands of Multiple Sclerosis.
Not all
therapies are available in all Centres, but almost all provide physiotherapy and HDOT
(hyperbaric oxygen therapy) The individual page for each Centre will tell you what you can
expect. Phone, write or email your nearest Centre for details. |
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How much will therapy cost me? The centres are funded partly by donations from members, partly by fundraising by members and well-wishers. Ask at your local centre. Each centre is independently run, and sets its own recommended donation level. For example, Lothian members usually donate nine pounds each time they use the six-seater hyperbaric chamber, as it has been calculated that six times nine pounds would cover the immediate running costs of that dive. As there is generally more than one unoccupied place, this is a bit optimistic, and the shortfall is made up by fundraising events. Other centres have similar costs, some as little as three pounds, depending on how well they are subsidised. Some therapies may be provided by visiting therapists, who set their own charges, which are often very favourable. |
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Can I make a donation online? Sorry,
not yet, but the central organisation and individual centres welcome donations, large and
small, by snail mail. If you wish to help your local centre, mail them a cheque payable
directly to them, or take it to them in person.
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Do the Centres treat other conditions besides MS? Conditions treated apart from MS include stroke, cerebral palsy, rheumatoid arthritis, wound healing, leg ulcers, sports injuries and a number of others, all implemented in accordance with strict protocols confirmed by our Medical Adviser. Ask your nearest Centre, or the Association, if you have any questions. Contact details can be found under each Centre, or see How can I get more information |
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What about Centres in other parts of the UK? The
Scottish Centres have close contact with the
Multiple Sclerosis National Therapy Centres
They can be contacted at: |
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How about liaison between the Centres and other MS bodies? We are represented at quarterly meetings of the MS Group Charities, which is formed by up to 10 separate bodies including the MS Society, MS Research Trust and Action MS Ireland. These meetings act as a forum for everything relating to MS and keep the members effectively up to date with one another. |
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What guarantee do I have that everything is done properly? The Centres operate within agreed constitutions and protocols. Regular and detailed inspections of all centres are implemented through the Association and monthly reports are prepared and circulated by our Medical Adviser and his team. These reports cover enquiries received through the Centres and provide updated relevant information on MS and other related conditions. All therapy is given by experienced operators with recognised training and qualifications. There are no side effects of the treatment, but before commencing a course GPs will be advised of their patient's intention to take oxygen therapy and if they would like more information about the therapy and how it may help their patient, they can contact our medical adviser direct. Any physical condition other than the MS must be declared (e.g. it is essential that the ears can be cleared under pressure). During the last twenty years almost one and a half million treatment sessions have been carried out in this country alone without significant incident. |
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Where can I get authoritative information on HBO? The HBO treatment at the Therapy Centres is fully supported with advice and medical information by Dr P
B James PhD FFOM
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How can I get more information on Scottish Centres? By
emailing
us
Detailed information is also available
from each Centre. GRAMPIAN ARGYLL
INVERNESS ISLE OF SKYE STIRLING EDINBURGH AND LOTHIANS ORKNEY TAYSIDE CAITHNESS Email:-c/o Jan Farrington at janf@pv139.fsnet.co.uk INDEPENDENT CENTRE |
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