MULTIPLE CHOICE

an integrated programme of holistic care for MS

The Park Attwood Clinic in Worcestershire integrates both conventional and complementary medicine, tackling not just the problems presented by a specific illness like MS but also treating patients holistically, with a choice of different therapies and medication that form a whole treatment programme. The Clinic is staffed by conventionally qualified medics – a committed team of experienced doctors and nurses - who have extensive further skills such as specialist training in homeopathic and herbal-based medicines. The Clinic is unique to the English-speaking world, attracting patients from as far afield as South Africa, New Zealand and America.

Park Attwood was recently awarded ‘Preferred Provider’ status by the MS Society for their successful work in this field. Since it first opened over 26 years ago, a number of patients with MS have been treated at the Clinic. Most organisations granted this award provide only respite care for MS patients, and active treatment is a rare commodity. What makes Park Attwood stand out from the crowd is the choice of active therapies - not just respite care but a treatment programme of complementary medicine which supports each patient’s existing medical care package (including their prescribed allopathic drugs).

The MS Society has, for many years, channelled its energies into funding research into the causes of MS with the objective of preventing or curing this debilitating disease. This approach has not helped the many people already living with MS, and recently there has been a shift of emphasis, to focus instead on helping patients cope with living with MS and improving quality of life as far as possible, easing symptoms rather than holding out for a cure.

MS is a chronic degenerative condition of the central nervous system affecting many functions that depend on motor and sensory nerves. It affects approximately 85,000 people in the UK, about twice as many women as men. The course of the illness is very variable, sometimes progressive, sometimes coming in bouts with a pattern of relapses and remissions, either way unpredictable. There is currently no cure, and many conventional treatments address the symptoms resulting from MS: weakness, spasticity, bladder dysfunction, uncomfortable sensory symptoms, pain, fatigue and depression. Orthodox medication commonly includes immune modulatory drugs (such as Interferon). The medicines given at Park Attwood, which have a long-established safety record and are produced by highly-respected natural medicines manufacturers, are chosen to maintain stability and mitigate symptoms. A preparation of mistletoe is sometimes prescribed, which addresses the auto-immune aspect of the disease. Additional therapies may be selected to alleviate the symptoms resulting from MS – such as extreme cold due to constant immobilisation, or upper body pain in the neck and back that wheelchair users often suffer as a result of restricted lower body movement as they strain to turn round, reach, see and cope independently with their disability.

At Park Attwood it is recognised that health and wellbeing are chiefly influenced by our inherent life force which shapes our ability to recover from illness and to maintain good health. This life force charges a healthy immune system and keeps the body running at optimum levels, balancing physical performance with a healthy mind and positive, contented spirit. It enables us to feel energised rather than drained, to feel optimistic rather than depressed. Without it our natural ability to heal is impaired. Rather than merely addressing physical symptoms, the therapies at Park Attwood aim to activate these resources. Both health care worker and patient are encouraged to develop an environment of confidence, hope and autonomy with each patient taking an active part in their treatment.

The therapies at Park Attwood include massage therapy, hydrotherapy, art therapy (painting or sculpture) and movement therapy (known as eurythmy) together with other supportive measures such as nutrition. Diet has been found to significantly influence MS. At Park Attwood the food in their dining room is freshly prepared on the premises using all-natural, mainly organic and local produce, and eaten in a dining-room that smells of home-baking and overlooks a breathtakingly beautiful view of the verdant Worcestershire countryside. Even on a dull winter’s day, this expansive vista lifts the spirits.

Nursing care at Park Attwood is outstanding. Not least because of the high nurse:patient ratio which guarantees round the clock care and time to share specialist skills such as a herbal infusion, a comforting massage with aromatic oils, warm compresses using plant extracts to soothe or stimulate as required, refreshing footbaths, and not least the supportive care and counselling crucial to encourage the often frail emotional health of exhausted patients who are constantly challenged by MS. All the nurses are conventionally trained and have access to the local specialist MS nurse for advice on symptom management.

Regular multi-disciplinary team meetings mean the treatment programme is truly integrated, from the prescribed medication right through to the choice of oil for a massage or the colour or medium in the painting therapy session.

Often profound fatigue, frustration, depression and general distress accompany MS and deserve attention. The therapies at Park Attwood offer a way to address these problems which can significantly undermine health. The therapies can also contribute to healing in their own right, on multiple levels. For example eurythmy is able to address the mechanical nature of many difficulties associated with MS such as impaired mobility, co-ordination and control, and can build and nurture the patient’s sense of wellbeing.

Similarly art therapy can deal with areas of health which are sometimes neglected – like the low moods and low self confidence that often accompany MS. Patients at Park Attwood often report that they find it difficult to engage with people or activities, and frequently have a feeling of significant vulnerability. Art therapies help instil confidence, and can help patients to focus on a particular task in hand and truly engage.

Park Attwood recommends a minimum two-week stay for treatment to be effective. Patients may come for shorter periods for respite care. Depending on your local area health authority (PCT), funding for treatment is sometimes available. Some health insurance policies may provide cover. The Clinic’s Patient Services Administrator can advise you on the likelihood of obtaining funding and help you plan for your stay. Park Attwood Clinic is a not-for-profit organisation.