I’ve just been on my first hot holiday since I’ve been ill and the heat caused the spasticity in my legs in particularly to really play up.
Having been told many things that have proved to be amazingly helpful by my neuro physiotherapist I remembered she said that reflexology/and or massage would be good for me. I kind of filed the info away as I cant bear my feet being touched and I’ve been offered massages my whole life and never fancied the thought of it.
However on the strength of her saying it and my husband insisting I should try it, I booked 20mins reflexology as I was really suffering. OMG I can’t begin to explain the impact of the treatment…and I could feel reactions in other parts of my body while she was wiggling different parts of my foot.
When I got down off the bed and stood up, I was so “lightened” I got hold of her hands and thanked her. I don’t speak Spanish but she managed to mime to me that I had spastic/shortened muscles and I needed to have a massage to help in a day or so.
Can you believe she could tell that from 20mins ?? She had actually backed up what my neuro-terrorist had told me and yet I had no conversation with the reflexology lady.
Needless to say I went back for the massage and it was INCREDIBLE. It wasn’t always pleasant she called it a “classico” massage but I had been having some evil buttock and thigh spasms and she really sent them packing.
Three questions guys…
does anyone manage to get either treatment on the NHS at MS treatment centres?
My GP says she thinks that the referral may need to come from my neuro-physio. Can anyone help me out with some info?
Is it common for hot weather to increase spasticity? I enjoyed the sun immensley but I seemed to sieze up
I had my first session of reflexology today, I was reluctant to have it, as my feet seem to be permanently tight and have never recovered from the last relapse. The lady also gave me a shoulder massage; as I get a lot of pain and tension in my shoulders. I felt very good when it was finished but had some fatigue early in the evening and had to lie down. I’m hoping it will give me a good night’s sleep. I will wait to see if it’s been of that much benefit. I am told that you usually have to have a few sessions before you know whether it’s helping. It is quite expensive so I don’t know whether this will be a regular thing. I don’t know if the NHS offer anything like it but they do offer tai chi at the pain clinic so you never know!
Like you, I noticed parts of my body were in tune with the parts of my feet and noticed twinges here and there, my balance is very bad today and that’s one of the things a friend with MS tells me she finds improved after a session.
Thanks for responding Wendy. I was quite fatigued by the heat so it was hard to know what additional impact the reflexology had on that.
It improved my weak foot that I trip over, and my overall balance though balance not my greatest problem to be honest
I did feel immediate benefit from the one session.
it was 15 euros for 20mins which I expect I will struggle to match in UK, but to be honest what price pain and mobility relief??
I would certainly consider saving money elsewhere if it continued to be such a help…tho I am on a mission to see if I can find it offered at an MS center.
ps I hear good things about Tai Chi…(its on my list of activities, lol)
Yes tai chi is good, I can recommend it, especially if you have pain. I can’t say that i have noticed any improvement in symptoms today, an MS therapy centre would be good.
I had a massage on Tuesday - first one for years. Legs and calves are very stiff so thought it was worth a try. Went to a theraputic centre (not beauty massage) . Woman took a full medical history - I said I’d be fighting fit if it wasn’t for the MS!
Woman gave me arm and leg massage and a bit of reflexology. Told me to drink plenty of water and I would feel tired that night and maybe the next morning - I felt fine and slept well. Suggested treatments were one massage a week for a month then one a month after that.
Legs did feel a bit looser but looking forward to next one this week.
The only problem is that I’ve been pricing it up since I returned to blighty and I can’t find it for cheaper than £25 a session.
I got 20mins for 15 euros on hols at a top Hotel…and 20mins made a fab difference.
Anyway I see my fabulous neuro terrorist on Tues and meet the MS drop in group so I’m hoping someone has some inside knowledge on how to do this on a shoestring.
I am on SSP so I am really having to look at all angles here…did you think I was joking when I said I would hitchhike up to meet you on my scooter??? (actually what a great idea to raise money for charity… he he )