About Us

The Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centre (Lothian) is an independent non-profit organisation, set up as a registered charity over 20 years ago by a group of people with MS and their families and friends, with strong links with the Association of Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centres (Scotland)

Services

We provide practical therapies in a welcoming, friendly, supportive and positive ambience. These include affordable physiotherapy, reflexology, yoga and Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (sometimes known as High Dosage Oxygen Therapy or HDOT) and other services. The therapies are in addition to any other treatments being given by physicians and neurologists, and patients keep their General Practitioner informed on a form obtainable from us when beginning HBO sessions.Fellow patients and professional therapists provide practical help and advice to people with MS and their families in order to help them to take control of the management of their MS and live a full life. This help includes:

  • Specialised physiotherapy
  • HBO (hyperbaric oxygen treatment)
  • Professional counselling contacts
  • Reflexology
  • Yoga
  • Advice contacts on disability grants and benefits
  • A place for people with MS and their carers to discuss their problems and benefit from shared experience

Opening Times

Monday to Thursday  9.00 am to 9.00 pm
Friday  9.00 am to 2.30 pm
Saturday 10.15 am to noon (operated by trained volunteers)

Membership

Membership of the Centre is a requirement prior to accessing any of the therapies. Full membership costs £7 per year, and friends, families and supporters can take out Full or Associate Membership which costs £3.50 per year.   

New clients are advised to complete the contact form, visit or telephone with any enquiries and to make an initial appointment to come and have a look around, meet the team and hear more about the therapies.

 

People

Alice Anderson - Interim Administrator (also chief HBO Operator) sees to the everyday running of the Centre
Alison Shepherd - Assistant Administrator and Chamber Operator
Carla Flannagan - Assistant Administrator and Chamber Operator
Rohan Desai - Physiotherapist - 0131 554 5384
Jacobine Scott - Reflexologist - 07905 402 230
Maureen McGonigle - Reflexology, indian head massage, reiki, ear candling - 07746 779 525
Laurent Haquin - Tai Chi - 0131 358 1070
Stephen McMurray - Hypnotherapist - 07971 700881

We are supported by approximately 35 trained volunteers without whom the Centre could not operate. There is always room for more!

Fundraising - Gordon MacRae (0131 554 5384) or Martin Kay (07920 764411)

Operational and financial decisions are made by a committee elected annually from the members. There is a continuing need for fresh input from energetic people who do not have the drain on their resources that MS imposes on patients and carers.

As the Centre is open 12 hours a day, running six HBO sessions a day, four and a half days a week, we need a lot of volunteers. We find them among members' relatives and by appealing in the press. Therapists, HBO operators, cleaners, fund-raisers, publicity, business management, accountancy, sympathetic ears, all have their part to play. If you live in the Edinburgh area and have an hour or two a week to spare, your help will be gratefully received. Appropriate training is given.