"For years I knew something wasn’t right. Looking back, I’d probably had symptoms of MS for about fifteen years, but every time I sought help, my GP directed me towards orthopaedic investigations. At one point, I genuinely believed I’d damaged my knee. I was frustrated because even when I raised concerns about neurological symptoms, I felt dismissed.
Everything changed when two different physiotherapists, completely separately, told me they thought my problem was neurological. That was the push I needed. I saw a neurologist on the NHS, went through more than two hours of MRI scans, and he advised me that my bloods were normal, but my scans showed inflammation in my brain and spine. I had MS, and it was progressive.
My walking became so poor that my partner insisted I needed specialist neurological physiotherapy and I realised I could use my private health insurance to pay for it. My consultant then recommended the neurotherapy service at UCLH Private Healthcare, saying they had an excellent neuro physiotherapy team who could help me. That’s how I met Alex.
Starting physiotherapy
When I first went to see Alex in November 2023, I was in a terrible state. I could barely stand up from a chair, let alone walk across a room. I had spasticity, weakness, and every MS-related issue you could imagine affecting my legs.
We began with basic exercises like stretching my calves, gentle movements, learning how to take safe, controlled steps again, etc.
Despite how difficult things felt back then, Alex never made me feel rushed or defeated. She focused on building solid foundations and helping me see the small wins.
Progress and rehabilitation
As I slowly improved, we started adding more complex exercises. Over time, I went from resistance bands and simple weight-bearing tasks to using the gym regularly. I now do proper strength training and can leg-press 100 kg, something I never imagined possible when I could barely stand.
My walking has improved enormously. I can now do short distances without walking aids, though I still use a crutch for balance sometimes. My friends and family say the difference is remarkable. One of my early goals was being able to walk out of my house, cross the road to my car, and drive to work without worrying about falling. I can do that now.
I’ve also started tackling new challenges, like addressing my ataxia (which affects my muscle control) and refining my gait.
Life with MS
I work full time in a demanding job, and at one point I was housebound and relying on lifts to work. Now, even though MS is still part of my life, I feel capable again. I can move, I can plan, I can look forward.
One of my future goals is to get a dog. To me, being able to take a dog for a short walk symbolises freedom and normality. I wouldn’t have believed that could be possible before starting physiotherapy.
Delighted with my care
The private neuro physiotherapy service has been exceptional. Communication is quick, appointment scheduling is smooth, and the team is consistently helpful. Alex is always on time (she’s never cancelled an appointment!) and she’s incredibly knowledgeable. She keeps me accountable, understands my condition, tailors every session, and genuinely cares. I truly feel she has changed my life.
I still see my NHS neurologist while having private physiotherapy, which works really well for me. I think a lot of people don’t realise you can do both, or how well they can complement each other.
Looking ahead
Progress with a neurological condition can be slow. What might take someone else two years might take me six. But the important thing is that I am progressing. As long as Alex thinks there’s more we can achieve, we’ll keep going—and I feel optimistic about what’s still possible."
