Has anyone done a lot of work with people with MS. I have an aunt I work with a bit who is largly immobile - it has hit mostly her legs and feet, and has very swollen ankles. She can't get onto a table but has an electic armchair which moves her into a semi reclining posi so I can do a bit of work that way on her legs and feet.

-- Kirsten (kem@pcug.org.au), August 10, 2000

Answers

Thanks Joel,

I'll take a look at those.

-- Kirsten (kem@smop.net), August 17, 2000.

The inaugral TAFE class of '89,'90 had the good fortune to do a clinical unit at the Multiple Sclerosis Centre at Lidcombe (in Sydney). The key pathology is demyelinisation which interferes with neural transmission and produces 'synaptic noise' i.e. the message is either not delivered, incomplete or disrupted. From our point of view the main potential sequelae are spacticity and or loss of range of movement. Manifest 'clumsiness' discourages activity and fear of appearing clumsy compounds the problem. So MT objectives should be maintenance of R.O.M. and prevention of spasticity.

In addition I would refer you to the Web Sites of the MS Society. NSW - msnsw.org.au - which includes details of the excellent rehab facility at Lidcombe - ACT (and all states) can be accessed off the National Web address - msaustralia.org.au - and the Services page of the ACT site mentions - Fascial Kinetics / Bowen Therapy / Therapeutic Massage - if your aunt is in ACT they would be worth a look. - Joel Morrell at - arn@tsn.cc

-- Joel Morrell (arn@tsn.cc), August 17, 2000.

To Kirstin and Joel

I have done weekly massage over two months for a client with advanced MS since your Question. The client reported some improvement ,I noted a slight change. After a hospital visit and with continuing physiotherapy He has stopped massage.

Regards

-- Geoff Webster (magichands@optusnet.com.au), January 31, 2001.