Other Therapies – Art Classes
We have an excellent Artist who runs an Art Class for painting and drawing once a week. If you are interested, please contact the Administrator for details.
Other Therapies – Foot Health Professional
Please contact the Administrator for details or to make an appointment.
Other Therapies – Counselling
We provide a counselling service, staffed by personnel trained in counselling. Diagnosis of MS can be traumatic not only for the individual but for the whole circle of people affected. The professional face-to-face counselling available at the Centre can help with the readjustment of life-style and attitudes which may follow diagnosis.
It must be remembered that counselling is not a magic wand. The counsellor’s purpose is to enable the client to discover for themselves how to make the necessary changes in their lives to deal with the emotional difficulties which they have identified for themselves. It is not a passive process, the counsellor will not tell you what to do or give specific advice.
Depending on the issues which you wish to address, the counselling service offered by the Herts MS Therapy Centre can be provided either on a one-to-one basis or for couples together. The sessions last approximately 45 minutes. Some people need only one session while others will benefit from a series of consultations.
We can offer Counselling on any day Monday to Friday. We will also try to accommodate your requirements if you are interested in evening or weekend appointments.
Please contact the Administrator for details or to make an appointment.
Other Therapies – Dietary Advice
There is much evidence suggesting diet can play a positive role in the management of MS. For example, an increase in our consumption of omega three and omega six oils, which can be found in fish, can help.
The brain and nervous system are composed of approximately 60% fat, a large proportion of which is derived from essential fatty acids. Investigations have shown that people with MS tend to have lower than usual levels of these fatty acids.
In the diet recommended by the Federation of MS Therapy Centres (see Healthy Eating) the consumption of essential fatty acids is increased and that of saturated fats decreased. The nutritional programme also includes increased consumption of vitamins, minerals, trace elements and fibre – all important for general health.
Dietary Advice appointments are available most days of the week. Please click on these links for details of the two nutritionists who are available for you.
Judy Watson
Gemma Roskin
Please contact the Administrator for details or to make an appointment.
Other Therapies – Massage
Touch is one of the most crucial and yet often neglected senses and can ease tensions, relax and comfort us in a way that non-touch therapy cannot. Massage is not only a soothing and unwinding experience but it can also be an effective treatment for a wide range of physical conditions. Systematic massage strokes have been shown to ease pain, tension and spasm from muscles, boost a sluggish circulation, stimulate the nervous system, eliminate accumulated toxic matter and encourage the release of endorphins – chemicals that induce states of physical and emotional well-being.
When the therapeutic touch of massage is used in conjunction with essential oils, the treatment works on both mind and body, having a relaxing as well as a stimulating effect. The oils penetrate the body via the skin and are also inhaled during the treatment, soothing mental stress, stimulating better health. This can lead to an increase in vitality and more restful sleep patterns.
The areas usually massaged are the back, legs/feet, arms/hands, neck and head, although this depends on individual preference and circumstances. The room is nice and warm with towels to cover you, relaxing music to soothe you and we can chat if you wish or enjoy a time of quiet.
We can offer Massage on any day Mondays to Fridays, and will try to arrange evening or weekend appointments if you wish. Please contact the Administrator for details or to make an appointment.
Other Therapies – Chiropractic Therapy
Chiropractic therapy works on the principle of manipulation. Chiropractic therapy involves a focus on the spine and the nervous system, as it is believed in this particular stream of study that control over these affects the brain and the rest of the body as well. People who suffer from aches and pains could benefit from an appointment with a chiropractor. It is a holistic approach and does rely on the intake of pharmaceutical medicines. Chiropractors use manipulation of the muscles and tendons of the body in order to bring about relief to the person suffering.
Please contact the Administrator for details or to make an appointment.
Other Therapies – Occupational Therapy
Occupational Therapy is wonderfully practical. It helps people make the most of their abilities. Occupational Therapists (OTs) are specialists in the equipment and skills needed to reduce the impact of disabilities. We are pleased to have access to highly experienced OTs through our partnership with our friends at Hertfordshire Action on Disability (HAD).
You are welcome to contact our Administrator for details or to make an appointment. If you wish you can also access the HAD website direct by clicking on this link.
Other Therapies – Reflexology
Reflexology is a completely safe form of therapy, as well as being a very relaxing and pleasant experience. The purpose of the therapy is to help reduce tension, and to improve health.
Pressure is applied though the fingers to the minute reflex points in and around the feet and hands. This in turn, has a stimulating effect on various parts of the body. The aim of Reflexology is to improve and strengthen the weak areas of the body that are causing bad conditions or symptoms, by targeting the problem areas through the reflex points found on or around the feet and hands.
Before any therapy begins, your Reflexologist will wish to ask you questions about your state of health and any current physical or emotional problems.
We can offer Reflexology on any day Mondays to Fridays, and will try to arrange evening or weekend appointments if you wish. Please contact the Administrator for details or to make an appointment.
Other Therapies – Reiki
A Japanese form of complementary or alternative medicine, developed during the latter half of the 19th century. It is a Japanese word representing Universal Life Energy.
We can offer Reiki on any day Mondays to Fridays, and will try to arrange evening or weekend appointments if you wish. Please contact the Administrator for details or to make an appointment.
Other Therapies – Yoga
Our Yoga is adapted to suit people with all types of ability, from those in wheelchairs to the fully mobile. Our Yoga is for everyone. The aim of our Yoga is to improve breathing, increase range of movement, maintain muscle tone and flexibility, help people to control their minds, relaxing more and reducing stress.
Yoga can help with the emotional swings that are experienced with MS. Each participant works within his or her own capability and are only assisted to the extent they wish. The most important aspect of Yoga is that everyone is aware of their own bodies and how much they can do for themselves.
We can offer Yoga on any day Mondays to Fridays, and will try to arrange evening or weekend appointments if you wish. Please contact the Administrator for details or to make an appointment.
Other Therapies – Your Ideas are welcome too
We are always very pleased when people come up with new ideas of other therapies or activities we could offer. Please feel free to put forward any suggestions to the Administrator.
