MS Awareness Week - Meryl’s words of thanks

15 years ago I was diagnosed with MS. Within two years I was told it was secondary progressive MS. The descent was rapid. The NHS could provide me three physio visits per six months with the long-term conditions’ physio service, and none of this was hands-on.

In 2013, a friend directed me towards PhysioFunction. At the time Jon Graham had a barn he had converted to clinic rooms at his home address.

What a find PhysioFunction was. I didn’t know I needed a neurological physio in particular at that time. Initially Jon helped me with my foot drop and I obtained an FES machine to keep me walking without tripping. The NHS caught up a year later with supplying this equipment, but I had to fight for it.

Since then, I have been under several specialist physios in the ever-growing team at PhysioFunction. They have kept me walking and moving and stretched me out on a weekly basis over the years.

Whilst having a condition which means I continue to decline in ability, it has been a real blessing to see specialist neuro physios who not only have the expertise to deal with a variety of neurological conditions and injuries, and equipment at hand to facilitate treatment, but their ‘can do’ attitude combined with an assurance that we are working together have been uplifting and sustaining over the years. I would not be where I am now without them.

Going to a neuro physio has not been a luxury. It has been an absolute necessity. Thank you for being there for me over the years.

Our Specialist Neurological Physiotherapist Lauren has been working with Meryl for the last year. Lauren had this to say;

"Meryl has been attending PhysioFunction for several years to support her management of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). During this time, as well as the hands-on physiotherapy she has made use of a variety of our specialist equipment, including the FreeWalk, FES bike, EasyGlider, electrical stimulation devices, and the LiteGait system. Her sessions have focused on improving core and lower limb strength, maintaining joint range of motion, posture re-education, and mobility rehabilitation. Meryl continues to demonstrate outstanding dedication and determination in her rehabilitation journey, and it’s always a pleasure to welcome her to the clinic each week."