By Louise Rachlis
Multiple sclerosis can be isolating, and the MS group at Jack Purcell is a way for those with MS to exercise and also to connect with each other.
“There are many psychological benefits,” says group member Rebecca Cooney, who also runs the MS liberation support group in Ottawa.
“Physiotherapist Joan Heard and I started the group about four years ago,” says Rebecca, who was also the first client. “It was at a time when we were looking for something in downtown Ottawa for people with MS after rehabilitation. We chose Jack Purcell, a fully accessible city facility with an adapted weight room and staff who are familiar with disabilities.
Nancy Bullis, the trainer who works with the program on Wednesdays, designs individual programs for each client.
Clients are invited to get a weight room membership so they can drop in to use the room on Monday and Friday mornings when a trainer is available to help them access equipment.
However, because many people with MS are heat-sensitive, the warm-water pool at Jack Purcell isn’t a benefit for them.
Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that affects the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system). MS affects women more than men. While the disorder is most commonly diagnosed between ages 20 and 40, it can be seen at any age.
MS is caused by damage to the myelin sheath, the protective covering that surrounds nerve cells. When this nerve covering is damaged, nerve impulses are slowed down or stopped.
Symptoms vary, because the location and severity of each attack can be different. Because nerves in any part of the brain or spinal cord may be damaged, patients with multiple sclerosis can have symptoms in many parts of the body.
There is no known cure for multiple sclerosis at this time. However, there are therapies that may slow the disease. The goal of treatment is to control symptoms and help maintain a normal quality of life.
“We meet at Jack Purcell every Wednesday 11:45 to 1:15,” says Rebecca, “and now there is so much demand, we also have a class on Saturday mornings 10:30 to 12 with another trainer.”
There is opportunity to do a variety of core and strengthening exercises with low tech equipment such as therabands and wobble cushions, as well as parallel bars to practice balance exercises.
Clients are also encouraged to continue progressing through their physio exercises. Nancy meets with them individually and advises on their program. “There are instructions for practising at home and in wheelchairs. The last 15 minutes is a warm-down with the group together.”
There are usually 10 or 12 in the group. Volunteers help clients use equipment, spot them for balance activities and assist with their stretching. “Sometimes people with MS don’t feel safe exercising, and in this environment everyone feels safe. The volunteers are fantastic.”
Up until a year ago, people with MS and others could have physiotherapy covered by OHIP if their doctor recommended it. That has now been cut out, and so a lot of people can’t get the help they need, says Rebecca. That makes the group even more vital.
“With our aging population, it’s important for everyone to get proper exercise and physiotherapy, and it’s unfortunate that it’s no longer covered unless you’re in a long-term facility,” she says.
“It’s very disconcerting trying to exercise when you have MS and you’re alone. It’s not a good thing. Fortunately the group is able to help.”
To find out more about the MS group, or to volunteer, please call Jack Purcell Recreation Centre, 320 Jack Purcell Lane, just off Elgin Street, at 613-564-1050.
