Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurological condition affecting the brain and spinal cord. It can cause a wide range of symptoms and affects each person differently.
Living with a long-term and sometimes unpredictable condition can also affect everyday wellbeing. Some people with MS choose complementary therapies such as reflexology alongside their medical treatment, particularly for relaxation and the opportunity to switch off.
Reflexology does not treat, cure or slow the progression of MS. It should always be considered complementary to, rather than a replacement for, appropriate medical care.
What Is Multiple Sclerosis?
MS affects the central nervous system, which includes the brain and spinal cord.
In MS, the immune system mistakenly attacks myelin, the protective covering surrounding nerve fibres. This can disrupt messages travelling between the brain and other parts of the body.
Because different areas of the central nervous system can be affected, symptoms vary considerably between individuals and can also change over time.
Common Symptoms of MS
People living with MS can experience very different combinations of symptoms. These may include:
- fatigue
- problems with balance or coordination
- muscle stiffness, spasms or weakness
- numbness or tingling
- pain
- changes in vision
- bladder or bowel problems
- difficulties with concentration or memory.
The presence of these symptoms does not necessarily mean somebody has MS. Diagnosis requires specialist medical assessment, usually involving a neurologist and investigations such as MRI scans.
Medical Treatment and Support
There is currently no cure for MS, but treatments can help manage the condition, reduce relapses in some forms of MS and manage individual symptoms.
Depending on the person and the type of MS, care may include disease-modifying therapies, medication for particular symptoms, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and other forms of rehabilitation and support.
Anyone diagnosed with MS should continue to follow the advice and treatment plan provided by their healthcare professionals.
Where Can Reflexology Fit In?
Reflexology is a complementary therapy based on the principle that different areas of the feet correspond with different areas of the body.
During a session, I work across the feet using pressure and relaxation techniques, adapting the treatment to the individual and how they are feeling on that particular day.
For somebody living with MS, this is particularly important. Symptoms such as fatigue, sensitivity, pain or muscle stiffness can fluctuate, so there is no reason that every reflexology session should be identical.
The aim isn’t to change the neurological damage caused by MS. Instead, reflexology can provide a calm period of dedicated relaxation and personal attention alongside conventional medical care.
Some people simply value having an hour in which they can stop, rest and focus on their own wellbeing.
An Individual Approach
Before starting a treatment, I take time to understand how you are feeling and whether anything has changed since a previous session.
Pressure can be adjusted according to comfort, and there is no expectation that you need to talk throughout the treatment. You can chat, listen to relaxing music, remain quiet or fall asleep if you wish.
When somebody is already dealing with the demands of a long-term condition, I believe a complementary therapy should add relaxation to their day rather than add another demand.
Mobile Reflexology for People Living with MS in London
For somebody experiencing fatigue, reduced mobility or other symptoms of MS, travelling across London for a complementary therapy appointment may not always be convenient.
That’s where my mobile reflexology service can be particularly helpful.
I travel to clients throughout London and provide reflexology in their own homes, removing the need to travel to and from a clinic. Treatments can be adapted to the client’s comfort and circumstances.
If you are living with MS and considering reflexology as part of your wider approach to wellbeing, you are welcome to contact me to ask questions or arrange a mobile reflexology session.
Reflexology should not replace medical treatment or advice from your GP, neurologist or other healthcare professionals.
