"Neurophysio and hydrotherapy"

Had a course with neurophysio, in gym and hydrotherapy pool, for MS. It's a boring condition: you're not going to get better - just aim to slow down your rate of decline! The physio was encouraging, clear, and quickly understood what my problems were (everyone with MS is different). I had five or six sessions in the gym and then in the pool, and left with an exercise programme for home and the pool. Like many people with MS, my symptoms are worse in hot weather, hot rooms etc. The hydrotherapy pool is much warmer than a swimming pool, but I decided to try it once in case it was useful. As it turned out, it was great - didn't worsen spasticity, did relax muscles so I could stretch more, and the water supports some of your weight so things are generally easier to manage. One problem was that for my first session the changing room was uncomfortably hot (staff were drying it out, I think, with a fan heater) and I lay on the floor to get cooler. For the rest of the sessions, the changing room was fine. Staff available to help with changing, transfer etc if needed; cheerful, friendly. Star rating: I've given 3 stars for the hospital (I'm recommending neurophysio treatment, not the whole hospital), and 3 stars for same-sex accommodation. The changing room and the pool are mixed (with curtained off cubicles for changing) - I don't mind at all, but others may. I don't know whether there are any women- or men-only sessions. I've given 5 stars for the rest - excellent facilities and treatment. It's possible to continue hydrotherapy (after being signed off), following the programme suggested by the physio, at a charge of around £6 a 30-minute session. I had some trouble getting through to the Private Patients Office to book my sessions (5 phone calls and an email ...) but when they eventually answered the phone they were pleasant and efficient. Overall, great.