Our Conference 2002 was held on Saturday 19th October at the Glapwell Centre, Glapwell, near Mansfield.

The theme this year was Alternative Therapies and we had four specialist speakers on different therapies that could work for FSH Sufferers.

Our first speaker was Jane Freebody who specialises in physiotherapy of Muscular Dystrophies and in particular FSH. Jane works with Dr.Hilton-Jones at the Muscle & Nerve Centre in Oxford, and has over 20 years of experience.

She covered three main areas: Pain; Posture; and Excercise, and also mentioned that while alternative remedies can be helpful, each individual needs to explore what works for them.

Not all physiotherapists have the depth of knowledge to deal with a patient with FSH, and Jane is happy to be contacted by any Physiotherapists who would like advice on how to treat FSH patients.

Our next speaker was Dr.David Smallbone who is a homeopathic physician. He explained the history of Homeopathy, and how the Homeopath works with the patient to elicit their particular problem.

People with neuromuscular problems may benefit from finding the right constitutional remedy to crystalise their functionality and the response is usualy quite rapid with homeopathic remedies.

Homeopathic remedies are prepared in different strengths and it is vital to find a qualified Homeopath with recognised qualifications, or by recommendation.

During the lunch break there was the opportunity to examine displays by Sure Stop and by Go Independent who brought their mobile display in a 20 foot truck! Also Chartwell Insurance Brokers were available to give advice on all insurance aspects for the disabled.

After lunch Dr.Peter Huggins gave an overview of Acupuncture and the use of Intra Muscular Stimulation. He explained that muscles can go into Fibrillation (spasm) and become deprived of oxygen and this puts pressure on and damages the nerves, causing 'super sensitivity'

This requires some form of physical therapy such as IMS (Intra Muscular Stimulation), which is a form of Acupuncture, although more complex as the needles target specifically injured muscles.

Dr.Huggins stressed the importance of therapists using only sterile disposable needles and also that when chosing an Accupuncturist, they should be accredited members of the British Medical Accupuncture Society.

Our final speaker was Liz Jarrom who spoke on Reflexology, which is not an alternative therapy, but is a complimentary therapy.

She uses 'gentle touch' Reflexology and by touching various points on the foot, she treats the whole body through corresponding points on the sole.

Therapist and patient should establish a good rapport if the treatment is to be successful, as both mind and energy levels are involved.

The benefits are stress relief, relaxation, and pain relief over a period of time, and it can also help circulation and establish balance in the body.

Later there was an open discussion during which member's questions were answered on various topics; and several people mentioned how badly they are treated by the NHS and Social Services.

It was generally felt that it would be a good idea to have our future Conferences in the springtime, when the days are longer and the weather milder; and we will be looking into this possibility for 2003.

For a full report on this conference please see "Newsletter 7" from the main menu.