Multiple Sclerosis Society of India - Chennai Chapter

MSSI Chennai Chapter is providing internships for the psychology and social work students as well as occupational therapy students from the esteemed colleges which will provide them learning in their appropriate field by applying in a practical & theoretical approach and creating much needed awareness of MS.
Many students from social work, occupational therapy even the Anna University students bought up the proposal for their projects to seek our MS persons as their target population. The students have come from the following colleges, Madras School of Social Work, Madras University, Anna University, Sri Ramachandra Medical College. This year, 8 students from the mentioned college joined internship. MSSI Chennai always gives opportunities for the future buddies to show case their learning.

One of our MS Members, retired Nursing Professor had requested to make use of her time & talent to talk to MS persons about MS & Diet. She conducted meetings online on various topics which was useful for persons with MS.

Regular home visit by our Medical Social Worker is being done to know the background of MS persons and also to follow-up the medical protocol of MS persons particularly the home bound.

During the disease, from the time of diagnosis through times of stability and advancement, relapses, and when the disease gets more advanced, physical therapists are crucial to the therapy of multiple sclerosis.

Exercises designed to strengthen muscles, and enhance gait—the way you walk—as well as balance and coordination, are part of physiotherapy for multiple sclerosis. Stretches are also a part of it to assist patients to keep their range of motion and avoid muscle spasms. Instruction in the use of mobility devices, such as a wheelchair, walker, or cane, is another aspect of physiotherapy.

To enhance the mobility of underprivileged and marginalised individuals, MSSI offers physiotherapy and home nursing care to MS patients who are unable to pay for these treatments.

Individual Psychotherapy sessions are held as when the need arises for individual MS Persons, through trained Psychotherapists

Every Thursday Brain Lab session is being conducted via Zoom Meet @ 12 pm – 1.00 pm by Dr. Ravi Samuel (Psychotherapist). To provide specialized cognitive rehabilitation treatment, so that the quality of Life of the MS person improves.
To make the MS person productive and bring changes in their daily activities and learning to live with the disease. We wish the MS person for their birthdays during the week in mid of the session/Birthday Cards are sent Physically to all MS persons. Socialization amongst MS Persons are held at the end of the session virtually for ½ hour to enable them to get to know each other interact amongst themselves.

We have 25 Physiotherapists on our roles, visit the homes of the MS person on an average 3 times a week & the cost is borne by the chapter.

Fatigue Management Program started by MSSI Chennai Chapter which is a six-week programme that takes place every Friday. The mastermind behind this program is Dr Venkataraman ,Neurologist of Kauvery Hospital. Daily, the participants have the opportunity to examine their fatigue levels during the two-and-a-half hours of the program. With the help of the chart each MS Person is able to access his/her levels of fatigue during the day and ascertain their capabilities against high/low levels of energy and fatigue keeping this is in mind they can plan out their daily activities. As a result, they will be able to enjoy what they like best over the course of a day, thereby improving their quality of life. So far 12 Batches completed and 60 Multiple Sclerosis person's got benefited through this program. The physical fatigue session was conducted by Dr Venkatraman (Neurologist).The mental fatigue session was by Dr.Preenu Ashok and yoga session led by Ms Meenachi (a yoga trainer).

The Yoga session is being conducted every Monday & Saturday for 1 hour.
Mrs.Chitra, a Yoga enthusiast & yoga teacher for many years. She is a sister of an MS Person and an active committee member. She has been conducting this yoga programme.
About 10- 25 Members are attending the program on a regular basis.
At the start of the 6 week (every Friday) fatigue Management Programme a Yoga session to encourage relaxation is held. Thereafter of the MS Person & yoga practitioner herself, conducts individuals session, free of cost.

The Meditation session is being conducting every Tuesday for an hour beginning from January 2020.
Dr.Kalpana, a Doctorate, she has been conducting this program. She has been trained in Heartfulness Meditation.
About 15 - 25 Members are attending the program regularly every week.

Monthly Face to Face Meetings. A physical meeting attended by more than 100 MS persons and their caregivers. Topics range from latest treatments for Multiple sclerosis to bladder incontinance, Treatment with Ayurveda, treatment with Homeopathy, Festival Celebrations, Birthday Celebrations etc.