Services
Individual Therapies and Therapists
We have a lovely array of therapies on offer from our experienced and knowledgeable therapists and practitioners.
Booking should be made through our reception but payments are made directly through therapists. Therapists generally charge £23 for a 45-60 minute session.
Cancellations:
Most therapists can’t afford to waive payment if you do not give them advance notice of 24 hours.
They are generously giving of their time to the Centre and offering therapies for at least half the price of the average high street therapist so we need to respect this as much as humanly possible, given the restraints of MS symptoms!
Counselling
We understand the challenges of living with life changing conditions and the impact it can have on people’s mental wellbeing.
If you need help at any time, we have two counsellors working within the Centre. Please contact EJ if you would like to book a counselling session on 01273-594484.
[We also have a small bursary scheme which would enable you to have free counselling for 6 sessions if appropriate to your circumstances. This is at the discretion of the Centre Manager, EJ.]
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a holistic form of therapy which is part of the traditional Chinese system of medicine.
This system believes the body is primarily an energetic organism. Acupuncture has the potential to manage some of the symptoms of MS and improve levels of wellbeing and quality of life. Many people find acupuncture brings benefit.
Evette Ford
Tuesdays
9.30am-4.00pm
Evette has a BSc in Oriental Medicine and Acupuncture from the International College of Oriental Medicine in East Grinstead.
Evette's journey as an acupuncturist has taken her on multiple projects around the world, including to Nepal, Greece, and France. She has specialised training the NADA protocol, a form of ear acupuncture used in treatment for trauma, addiction, anxiety and depression.
Evette does home visits in and around the Sussex area and helps run a multi bed clinic at the Tree of life health centre. She has also had the honour of being the acupuncturist at the Sussex MS Centre in Southwick since 2018.
Beauty Therapies
Sarah began working at the MS Centre in 2013 having qualified as a Beauty Therapist in 2000.
Sarah trained in Aromatherapy, Hopi Ear Candling, Indian Head Massage, Reflexology (hand and foot) and Swedish Massage as part of a Holistic Therapies Diploma.
Sarah loves her job and enjoys working with the Centre members very much. When away from the Centre she is busy running her mobile beauty & therapy business.
Beauty therapies on offer are Facials, Manicures (recently qualified in Gel Polish for nails), Pedicures, Lash & Brow Tint (subject to patch test), Brow Shaping, Aromatherapy Massage, Reflexology and Inidan Head Massage.
Please ask at reception for prices. Prices range from £10.00 - £23.00.
Sarah Brisley
Fridays, 9.15am to 12.15pm
For a price list on individual therapies, please ask at reception.
Foot Health Care
Julia's role is to provide routine foot care and maintenance for your feet.
It can be anything from routine nail cutting or more specific foot concerns such as corns, calluses, fungal nails/thickened nails or bunions. These may appear as something small and insignificant but can pose great difficulties with footwear and many daily activities.
The service offered is to ensure your feet are healthy and in the best possible condition, whatever your age. As an FHP Julia is qualified to work with additional problems such as diabetes and circulatory problems.
Julia Johnson
Mondays every six and seven weeks, 9.30am to 2.00pm. Cost £25.00 per session.
Manual Lymph Drainage Massage
Sandra Laxton
Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) Massage Therapist
I recently started working at the centre as an advanced clinical massage therapist.
Prior to becoming a massage therapist I was a registered nurse for 18 years working predominately in acute medicine. I then qualified 25 years ago as a massage therapist including Manual Lymph Drainage. I had a very successful clinic in Haywards Heath but now work locally.
Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) by the Vodder method is a unique method developed by husband & wife team, Emil and Estrid Vodder in France in 1932. MLD is a very gentle massage treatment, which moves the skin over the underlying tissues which then in turn enhances and encourages the flow of the Lymph, removing it from the skin & underlying tissues.
This is very helpful in cases of people with lymphedema, (swelling) in the body tissues. The causes can be one of many reasons. MLD encourages the flow of lymph out of the body tissues back into the body’s main blood circulation thereby enabling waste products to be eliminated in the normal way.
The massage has a very powerful calming & relaxing effect on the autonomic nervous system which can be a positive help for people with Multiple Sclerosis.
MLD is achieved by using the flat of the hand & fingertips, rotate spirally, semi-circularly making a pumping action, this also produces a calming relaxed state which also promotes the Lymph flow.
Sandra works on Mondays 10.00am-4.00pm.
Massage & Physiotherapy
Viola Santa
Fridays 10.00-4.30pm 1:1 Physiotherapy bookings
Viola is a chartered physiotherapist and massage and complementary therapist and has been working with members at the MS Centre since 2014.
Before coming to the MS Centre I worked as a Physiotherapist in the NHS and for several years at a Respite Care Centre for people with MS. Over time I’ve had the opportunity to work with a great number of people living with MS and appreciate the wide variety of symptoms and levels of mobility that people have.
I find the Sussex MS Centre a very welcoming and supportive place. Considering a member's individual needs, I enjoy supporting them to find more ease in their body, improve movement and mobility, as well as confidence and well-being. Treatments can include advice on exercise and posture and things people can do to help themselves in their daily life.
Viola is available for 1:1 Physiotherpay bookings on Fridays at the Centre.
Jenny Hyde
Advanced Clinical Massage Therapist
Wednesdays 10.00am-4.00pm
I recently started working at the Centre as an advanced clinical massage therapist.
Advanced clinical massage is a highly effective form of massage that specialises in the treatment of chronic pain. I recently completed my training with the Jing Institute achieving a BTEC level 6 in advanced clinical and sports massage, the highest massage qualification in the UK! I treat clients with a wide range of chronic pain conditions including MS, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, stroke, fibromyalgia, lower back pain, whiplash, rotator cuff injuries, frozen shoulder and many more.
I use a variety of techniques in the session including myofascial release, trigger point therapy, acupressure, stretching and teaching self-care exercises to do at home. The aim of the session is to relieve pain, improve range of movement, provide relaxation and relieve stress. I have a warm, heart-centred approach which also takes any psychological and social issues the client may be having into account.
I qualified as a registered general nurse at the Royal Free Hospital in 1995 and worked on many busy hospital wards in London and Cheltenham. I have been a massage therapist for over 20 years. I qualified in therapeutic massage with Michael Gibbons in Brighton in 2002 then went on to study holistic therapies at The MET Brighton in 2010-11 gaining qualifications in aromatherapy, Swedish massage, reflexology and sports massage.
Today, I have my own massage business working from a private room in Brighton and visiting clients at home. I work at the Sussex County hospital once a week for the charity called ‘Small Acts of Kindness’ treating elderly patients at their bedside.
I feel blessed to be working at the MS Centre alongside a great team of kind and caring therapists in such a tranquil healing space.
Lisa Mason
Remedial therapist offering massage and reflexology
Tuesdays 10.00am-4.00pm
I live with my 12-year-old daughter and our free-range budgie called Basil. In my free time I enjoy art, dancing, swimming and saunas and immersing myself in nature whenever I can.
I have been working with a lovely lady who has MS for over 7 years now, which has helped me understand more about day-to-day living with the condition.
I have worked for more than 10 years as a qualified and professional remedial therapist offering massage and reflexology with great results. The sessions I offer benefit people who have chronic health conditions, chronic pain and mobility issues, as well as those who like deep bodywork to relieve tension and still their mind.
I feel my gift to world is helping others to feel more comfortable in their bodies, by providing bodywork that works by assisting movement and balance in the physical and energetic body; facilitating the intelligence of the body to heal itself.
Osteopathy
Osteopathy is a way of detecting and treating damaged parts of the body such as bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, nerves, connective tissue and assessing their inter-relationship.
In order to function efficiently with the minimum wear, stress and energy, the osteopath uses manual techniques to assist the body in achieving a balance. Osteopathy for the treatment of spinal problems, it is also effective in treating mechanical problems throughout the body such as limbs and viscera.
Osteopathy can be beneficial for anxiety, arthritis, asthma, frozen shoulder, headaches, IBS, ME, MS, period pains, sciatica, sinusitis, tension, visual disturbances, whiplash, postural, circulatory digestive and urinary problems.
Virginia Keefe
Fridays, 12.30pm to 4.00pm
Virginia Keefe gained a Bachelor of Science in Osteopathy at the BSO and lectured for eleven years as a clinic tutor.
She taught Shiatsu (Acupressure) and Qi Gong (Chinese exercise) for many years in Sussex and adopts a holistic approach to her treatments utilising her knowledge of Qi (energy) in optimising her patient’s health.
Physiotherapy
In a physio session Diane will try to closely observe how you hold and move your body.
Diane will try to see and feel which areas need relaxing or stretching and which parts might need strengthening. Some muscles that are stronger may help other weaker ones.
We have a lovely, big, airy gym with lots of equipment. This includes a large plinth, parallel bars, a standing table, an active and passive bike for legs and arms, a vibro-plate, mini trampoline, pulleys, weights and gym balls etc.
Diane Rees
Tuesdays, 12.00 - 4.00pm
I am Diane and I have been working as a physiotherapist at the MS Centre for over 20 years.
I trained at Guys Hospital in the days before needing to go to university to qualify which tells you I am quite old! I have been a physio since 1981.
I have worked in different settings in London, Australia and briefly Hong Kong. After coming to Brighton to have my family and train as a Shiatsu practitioner I am now self-employed in both Physiotherapy and Shiatsu. They both dove-tail nicely.
I enjoy my day at the MS Centre, it is such a lively and positive place. I love working with people to help find the best of themselves and then maintain that. We have a lovely big gym with lots of good equipment including an active/passive bike, vibro-plate, parallel bars, trampoline, gym balls etc.
I am part of a brilliant team of therapists and volunteers. There is something for everyone here at the Centre.
Reflexology and Indian Head Massage
Indian Head Massage is a seated massage and can be easily performed on people reliant on wheelchairs.
It can prove beneficial in many ways including relieving eye strain, headaches and promoting a sense of overall well-being. It also can increase blood flow and therefore oxygen and nutrients supplied to the head and neck, relieve mental fatigue, relax the muscles, elevate mood and promote a good quality sleep pattern
Reflexology is popular because the system works on the whole body through zones on the feet, melting away accumulated tension and stiffness.
Sonia Campos
Thursdays, 10.45am to 4.00pm
Originally from Brazil I moved to England in 1980 to do a PhD in biomedical engineering.
My interest in complementary therapies began when I started using them to help a lymphatic condition I have had since childhood. Along the way I found that it was a great form of keeping healthy and balanced.
I qualified as a Reflexologist in 1993. Through the years I attended many workshops on different reflexology techniques and related subjects, which has helped me to develop a very individual way of working. In 2000 I qualified in Indian Head Massage and in 2004 I completed my Reiki Level 2 training.
For many years I have been doing my own studies on nutrition and its effects on the body and mind as I believe nutrition is essential for maintaining good health. Finally in 2009, after three years of studying with the College of Naturopathic Medicine, I got a diploma in naturopathic nutrition. I am fully insured to offer nutritional consultations should a client want it.
My experiences of using these therapies, individually or combined, have proven them to be very effective in addressing many physical, mental and emotional problems, helping restore and maintain health and well-being. I have many years experience working with people affected by HIV and since 2007 I have been working with people affected by MS and ME at the MS Centre in Southwick.
I feel blessed to be able to help people in their journey to achieve a more balanced, healthy and happy life.
Shiatsu
Shiatsu is a body-based holistic therapy using the application of pressure to acupressure points, using fingers or palms.
Stretches and joint rotations are also routinely used. It can help with a wide range of symptoms, and is generally very relaxing.
Sufferers say Shiatsu relieves pain and fatigue, boosts mobility and mood and makes it easier to cope with the hardships of life with an incurable illness. Treatment is given through clothing, and generally takes place on a futon on the floor, but other arrangements can be easily made.
Amanda Radford
Tuesdays 9.00am-12.00pm
Fridays 9.00am to 1.00pm
Amanda qualified as a Shiatsu practitioner in 2003 from the Nevermind School of Shiatsu in Derby.
She relocated to Sussex and discovered the Centre while working as a teaching assistant for the Brighton Shiatsu College which bases its training programme at the Centre.
Amanda enjoys working with people who greatly benefit from Shiatsu and might otherwise not have access to it. She is also very keen to offer Shiatsu to MS clients’ Carers as often they get left out or they simply don’t have the opportunity. Carers can access therapies while their loved ones attend another therapy or class so an opportunity isn’t wasted!