MS meeting to discuss aquatic therapy

Patients diagnosed with multiple sclerosis will learn more about free aquatic therapy sessions during the monthly meeting of the support group that meets at the Swedish Hospital campus in the Issaquah Highlands.

Patients diagnosed with multiple sclerosis will learn more about free aquatic therapy sessions during the monthly meeting of the support group that meets at the Swedish Hospital campus in the Issaquah Highlands.

Certified therapist Harriet E. Ott will discuss the benefits of warm water therapy at the December meeting of the No Whiners scheduled Wednesday, Dec. 10, beginning at 9:30 a.m. in the second floor conference center at the hospital.

The pool exercises, said Ott, are adjusted to challenge the variety of abilities of the participants at each session. She added that patients without lower extremity control are set up with adaptive equipment for safety to allow for maximum independence.

“I frequently use neck collars; both the blow-up and beanbags, “ Ott explained. “For those who are able, we do some lap swimming either at the end or the beginning of each session.”

The free sessions are held weekly in Bellevue and sponsored by the Greater Washington Chapter of the National MS Society. More information contact Ott directly at 425-830-7746

The No Whiners meet on the second Wednesday of every month in the second floor conference center at the Swedish campus located at 751 N.E. Blakely Drive. The support group is free and open to any person dealing with a neurological condition as well as their caretakers. Refreshments will be served.

For more information on the No Whiners, contact Gregg Robinson with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society at gregg.robinson@nmss.org.