MDSC offers specialist physical therapies (including physiotherapy and osteopathy) that are recognised ways of slowing the progression of muscle disease. The Centre’s aims are to help people maintain their strength and muscle function for as long as possible, enabling them to be as independent as they can for the longest possible time. The Centre’s therapies also support mental well-being and management of pain for many service users.
MDSC prides itself on its patient-centric approach to therapy – service users’ aims and goals define their individual care plans and therapy sessions. In addition to physiotherapy and osteopathy, MDSC provides holistic care including acupuncture, massage and a range of complementary therapies. The Centre also offers peer community and support resources, as well as online therapies.
The Centre is a registered charity and offers services free of charge to its service users.
How to access the service
To receive treatment from MDSC you need a referral from a GP or consultant confirming diagnosis of a neuromuscular condition and your contact details. When the Centre receives your referral, a team member will contact you to arrange an initial assessment.
The team
Jane Field
Osteopath and Clinical Director
Jane’s approach to treatment of the patient is truly holistic, encompassing a wide range of physical therapy techniques, personal wellbeing, counselling, advice on equipment and direction to other specialist services. Jane draws on her personal experience of having a son with Duchenne muscular dystrophy to empower and inform patients and carers alike
Lynn Ward
Physiotherapist
Lynn Ward is a physiotherapist who specialises in neurological physiotherapy. She has over 15 years’ experience working within this area of physiotherapy. Lynn provides a variety of essential physiotherapy services to those with muscular dystrophy which is vital for slowing down muscle loss, easing pain and maintaining mobility.
Ulrike Uta
Physiotherapist
Ulrike joined Lynn as a Lead Physiotherapist from March 2015. She qualified as a Physiotherapist in Germany in 1990 and has worked in hospitals and private clinics in Germany and the UK, including 12 years at a local NHS Trust. She specialises in working with people with neurological and neuromuscular conditions. She loves doing ‘hands-on’ work with patients, supporting people to achieve their goals, live independently and improve their quality of life.
Jane O'Connor
Care Advisor
Jane provides emotional, advocacy and advice support for both adults and children living with muscle disease and is based at Birmingham Heartlands Hospital. Jane also provides support at other clinics throughout the West Midlands. Get in touch with Jane by E: jane.oconnor@heartofengland.nhs.uk or T: 0121 424 0689.
Sue Gallagher
Regional Care Advisor and Counsellor
Sue supports and offers advice and information to the parents of children and young people with neuromuscular conditions. Sue is a registered social worker and accredited BACP counsellor. Sue offers counselling appointments at the Centre on a Wednesday afternoon. These appointments aim to help people to: cope better, build relationships, reduce stress, manage fears, feel more in control. Get in touch with Sue by E: Susan.gallagher@heartofengland.nhs.uk or T: 0121 424 0689.
Other key people in the team include:
- Ruth Hereford , Chair To The Trustees
- Stuart Sullivan , Executive Director
- Anna Porcherot , Development Manager
- Shelley Marks , Volunteer Centre Coordinator
- Debbie Hill , Volunteer Centre Coordinator
Clinics
Adult
Clinics are held at NMC Midlands
- Acupuncture
- Advocacy
- Care Advice
- Condition Specific Physiotherapy
- Condition Specific Osteopathy
- Counselling
- Peer to peer support
- Respiratory treatment and advice
- Specialist advice
- Treatment of associated musculoskeletal disorders
- Ultrasound