The latest data showed that 33,335 Australians were living with MS in 2021, an increase of 30 per cent (7,728) over the four years since the previous update in 2017 (25,607).
When Alison started seeing Dr Phu Hoang at the Lidcombe MS Plus Wellbeing Centre, she was using a walker to get around.
Sometimes she fell. Her leg was affected by drop foot and hyperextension, and Alison could not use her left arm or hand.
Even speaking was a struggle at times.
She said it was incredible to think she could walk five kilometres now after receiving tailored exercise advice from Dr Hoang in the Lidcombe gym.
“At the MS Plus Wellbeing Centre, I have been able to access expert advice on diet, medication and physical therapy,” she said.
“In April this year, my hard work paid off and I was able to achieve my dream of walking across the Brooklyn Bridge in New York.”
Alison said it felt amazing to be living without visible symptoms again, and she wants to share her message of hope with other people who live with MS.
“I am living proof that the MS Plus Centre is improving people’s symptoms,” she said.
The centre also offers a non-contact, four-week boxing program for people living with neurological conditions, including multiple sclerosis, such as Parkinson’s disease and stroke.
Exercises that include big, explosive movements (such as boxing) along with strength training, can help rewire the brain to improve symptoms including spasticity or stiffness, weakness, reduced balance and control, ataxia and fatigue.
Details 1800 042 138 or connect@msplus.org.au.
