We recently had a very informative meeting with the Kent MS Therapy Centre in Canterbury to explore how we could be able to work in partnership together but also to understand the services they offer better.

The Kent MS Therapy Centre aims to improve the quality of life of people living with multiple sclerosis (MS) and, where possible, other neurological and health conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, stroke, fibromyalgia, cancer, diabetes and long covid. We provide a range of non-invasive therapies, classes, exercise, specialist clinics and information sessions. 

They have been supporting people with MS and their carers since 1984. Members travel to our purpose-built centre (opened in 2015) from all over Kent to use our facilities. The Canterbury-based centre with its oxygen therapy suite, gym and hydrotherapy pool is the only full-time MS therapy centre in Kent. 

Their activities help people with MS and other conditions to alleviate symptoms, manage their condition, improve and sustain their physical and mental health and wellbeing.  

The main therapies and activities are: 

• High dose oxygen therapy

• Hydrotherapy and water-based activities/exercise such as swimming and aqua yoga 

• Physiotherapy, gym sessions, pilates, core stability classes 

• Counselling for people with MS and their partners 

• Complementary therapies such as reflexology, massage, acupuncture and APS

About MS

Below is some information about MS which you may find useful:-

MS is a disease affecting the central nervous system. It is an auto-immune condition which attacks the protective layer around the nerve fibres in the brain and spinal cord, causing inflammation and lesions. This makes it difficult for the brain to send signals to the rest of the body. Although MS is not a terminal illness, there is no known cure and it has the potential to be highly disabling, affecting people’s work and career prospects, family life and personal independence. 

Most people are diagnosed with MS in their thirties and forties and it affects twice as many women as men. Based on Public Health England data and local authority population estimates from mid-2018, we believe that there are around 3,500 people in Kent and Medway living with MS, and approximately 15 people in the county being diagnosed with the condition every month. 

The most common signs and symptoms of MS include: numbness and tingling; muscle stiffness and spasms; loss of balance and dizziness; bladder/bowel dysfunction; ‘brain fog’; pain; fatigue; problems with vision; mental health difficulties such as depression. MS can be varying and unpredictable and no two people will have exactly the same symptoms. A diagnosis of MS can be bewildering and people may feel isolated and unsupported. However, the condition can be well managed with proper medical care, complemented by services such as those provided by our charity -  allied therapies, appropriate levels of exercise, practical and moral support. 

You can find out more about Kent MS Therapy Centre here