MS Therapy Service

What is the therapy service?

The MS Therapy service consists of three Physiotherapists, two Occupational Therapists and one Orthoptist.

We are an Outpatient team who are based at The Walton Centre and see patients in Clinic setting. If you require additional Therapy input at home, we can refer you to local services. 

We see anyone that has a Consultant at The Walton Centre and has a diagnosis of MS or MS variant i.e. CIS (Clinically Isolated Syndrome).

Where and when can I see the therapists?

Multi-disciplinary clinic (MDT): When you come to see your Consultant you can also be seen by the Therapists and Orthoptists.

Therapy Clinic: A joint clinic for Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy assessment.

Occupational Therapy Clinic: You will be seen by an Occupational therapist. The aim will be to explore any difficulties you may have with being able to participate in the activities that matter to you.

Physiotherapy Clinic: You will be seen by a physiotherapist. This may involve a physical  assessment, exploration of any specific physical limitations, potential goals and treatment plans.

Employment Clinic:  Run by an Occupational Therapist. The aim of this clinic is to support people who have expressed concerns regarding their current employment.  The overall aim is to empower you to make an informed choice about your employment.

Fatigue Clinic: A joint assessment from both an Occupational Therapist and Physiotherapist, for a detailed assessment of fatigue.

Additional Groups:

• Fatigue Management Programme (FACETS)
• MS Exercise Education (EEMS)

 

Occupational Therapy

What is an Occupational Therapist?

Occupational therapists work in a variety of settings. The aim in this setting is to provide practical support to enable you to maintain your independence and overcome any barriers that prevent you from doing the activities (occupations) that matter to you. The goal is for you to feel empowered to manage your long term condition.  

How can an Occupational Therapist help me manage my long term condition?

Key areas that may be discussed are:

1. Developing your skills, knowledge and confidence in managing your condition. This is in order to maintain participation in the activities you want to do.
2. Analysing how you are completing the task and if there are any barriers and ways to adapt this to continue to participate. 
3. Considering how you approach completing an activity. This may or may not require a discussion about equipment.
4. Providing symptom specific advice and education; for example fatigue, stress and relaxation, changes in hand function.
5. Engaging in education and support to other health professionals that you are working with. This may also require a referral to your local services.

 

Physiotherapy

What is a Physiotherapist?

Physiotherapists help people affected by  injury, illness or disability through movement and exercise, manual therapy, education and advice. They help patients to manage their symptoms, maximise function, reduced risk of disease and disability, promoting  long-term health.

How can a Physiotherapist help me manage my long term condition?

1. Assess and explain physical symptoms and how these can be managed proactively throughout the course of the condition.
2. Explore the use of certain orthotics and refer appropriately.
3. Help to manage falls risk.
4. Advice regarding walking aids.
5. Manual therapies.
6. Advice on exercise for health and more specific exercises for symptoms.
7. Education and support to other professionals that you are working with.
8. Refer to local physiotherapy services if multiple treatment sessions are required or it is more appropriate for you to be seen in your own home.

Orthoptist

What is a Walton Centre Orthoptist?

An orthoptist is a specialist in Neurological eye movement disorders and visual disturbances.

How can an Orthoptist help me manage my long term condition?

1. Carry out an assessment of visual functions and eye movements in relation to poor eyesight and / or double vision.
2. Explain the cause of the symptoms.
3. Provide advice and reassurance.
4. Use temporary prisms or occlusion (e.g. a patch) to alleviate double vision.
5. Monitor the recovery of acute problems.
6. Discuss and explain appropriate longer term management, including medications, injections and surgery.
7. Refer to the Visual Support Team and for low vision aids.
8. Referral to the local Optician.
9. Refer to local Ophthalmology department for ‘non-neurological’ problems.
10. Advise on driving from a vision perspective (refer to Driving centres where appropriate)

Eye (Orthoptic) Clinic

A more detailed examination than in multi-disciplinary clinic, with time to discuss symptoms and possible treatments.

 

Contact Details

0151 556 3742

Occupational Therapists

Jennie Carter

Physiotherapists

Jenny Thain

Helen Curran

 

Orthoptists

Francesca Lynch

MS Nurse Advice Line: 0151 556 4008

www.mstrust.org.uk

www.mssociety.org.uk