Multiple Sclerosis & Parkinson's Canterbury

Open Gym Fri 11am
2030-03-29 11:00 - 11:50, 2030-04-05 11:00 - 11:50, 2030-04-12 11:00 - 11:50, 2030-04-19 11:00 - 11:50 (Pacific/Auckland) | BrainTree Gym, 70 Langdons Road, Christchurch, 8053, New Zealand
For people with MS and Parkinson’s.The gym is open to complete your exercise program prescribed by our exercise physiologist under supervision of a qualified exercise instructor.

Balance and Mobility 9am
2030-04-01 09:00 - 09:50, 2030-04-08 09:00 - 09:50, 2030-04-15 09:00 - 09:50, 2030-04-22 09:00 - 09:50 | Braintree Studio, 70 Langdons Road, Christchurch, 8053, New Zealand
For people with MS and Parkinson’s. Aimed at enhancing mobility and balance. We focus on standing exercises to challenge and improve your balance, coordination, and gait performance.

It requires the ability to get up and down from the floor independently.

Balance and Mobility 10am
2030-04-01 10:00 - 10:50, 2030-04-08 10:00 - 10:50, 2030-04-15 10:00 - 10:50 | Braintree Studio, 70 Langdons Road, Christchurch, 8053, New Zealand

Parkinson's - Rangiora Support Group
2030-04-01 10:00 - 12:00 | Rangiora Health Hub, 161 Ashley Street, Rangiora, Canterbury, 7477, New Zealand
For people with Parkinson’s and their spouses or partners.

This group gathers on the first Monday of each month from 10 AM to 12 PM at the Rangiora Health Hub, located at 161 Ashley Street, Rangiora. The session is facilitated by Rob Whitmore.

Open Gym Mon 11am
2030-04-01 11:30 - 2030-04-04 12:20, 2030-04-08 11:30 - 2030-04-11 12:20, 2030-04-15 11:30 - 2030-04-18 12:20 | BrainTree Gym, 70 Langdons Road, Christchurch, 8053, New Zealand
For people with MS and Parkinson’s.

The gym is open to complete your exercise program prescribed by our exercise physiologist under supervision of a qualified exercise instructor.

Podiatry
2030-04-02 09:15 - 14:00 | Braintree Wellness Centre, 70 Langdons Road, Christchurch, 8053, New Zealand
Having MS or Parkinson’s can cause problems with your feet. You may also find it more difficult to look after your feet if you have certain symptoms like a tremor.

Some foot problems, such as corns, bunions, and verrucas, can affect anyone, whether they have MS or Parkinson’s or not. But there are other foot problems that are related to these conditions, such as:

Problems with walking

Ankle Swelling

Dystonia and toe curling

Pain or a burning sensation

Numbness or tingling

A podiatrist is a healthcare professional specialising in the care of feet. They can give you tips to help with these issues.

MSPC offers an in-house Podiatry service with Louise Nixon on the first Tuesday of every month (except January), with appointments available from 9:15am to 2pm.

Appointments are 15-20 minutes long. Please phone the office 03 366 2857 to book.

The cost is $45 (subsidised by MSPC) and is paid directly to Louise on the day of your appointment.

General Foot Care Tips at Home:

Wash your feet daily in warm, but not hot, water (or cool water for hot feet) with a gentle soap that does not irritate the skin.

Do not soak them for any longer than an average bath time, as this may destroy some of the skin’s natural oils.

Dry your feet carefully, especially between your toes. Do not try to get a towel between your toes if they are curled or rigid – try using a baby wipe instead.

If your skin is dry, use moisturising cream all over your feet except between the toes. You could also use lanolin wax or olive oil.

Apply moisturiser little and often – two times a day if possible.

Elevate your feet if painful.

Remove hard skin by rubbing gently with a pumice stone.

If your skin is very thick or hard, a foot file can help. They are usually wide and have a handle which can give you a good grip. If you have hard skin that is painful, speak to your podiatrist.

You should file your toenails weekly with a nail file (emery board). You may also find a ‘diamond deb’ file useful because it is stronger with a rougher surface. This can help you deal with more difficult parts of your feet.

Don’t file your nails too short or down at the corners, as this can lead to ingrowing nails.

Do not cut corns, calluses or ingrown nails yourself, or treat them with corn cures or corn plasters. These contain strong acids, which, if not used properly, can lead to burns or ulcers.

It may be helpful to avoid nail clippers or scissors because they are sharp, especially if you experience tremor or involuntary movements.

Get treatment as soon as possible for burns, cuts and breaks in the skin, or if you notice any unusual changes in colour, smell, or temperature.

Avoid exposing your feet to extreme temperatures and dampness.

Exercise whenever possible, to improve the circulation in your feet.

Extend the life and fit of your shoes by using a shoehorn and shoe trees.

Don’t wear the same shoes all the time. This will lengthen the life of each pair and spread the pressures on your feet.

If you wish to make an appointment with the Podiatrist please Contact Us.

Parkinson's - Partner Support Group with Gaynor (Full)
2030-04-02 10:00 - 12:00 | Braintree Wellness Centre, 70 Langdons Road, Christchurch, 8053, New Zealand
This group is for partners and spouses of individuals with Parkinson’s. Meetings occur every first Tuesday of the month from 10 AM to noon at BrainTree, facilitated by Gaynor

Open Gym Wed 12.30pm
2030-04-03 12:30 - 13:20, 2030-04-10 12:30 - 13:20, 2030-04-17 12:30 - 13:20 | BrainTree Gym, 70 Langdons Road, Christchurch, 8053, New Zealand

Open Gym Wed 1.30pm
2030-04-03 13:30 - 14:20, 2030-04-10 13:30 - 14:20, 2030-04-17 13:30 - 14:20 | BrainTree Gym, 70 Langdons Road, Christchurch, 8053, New Zealand

Open Gym Fri 10am
2030-04-05 10:00 - 10:50, 2030-04-12 10:00 - 10:50, 2030-04-19 10:00 - 10:50 | BrainTree Gym, 70 Langdons Road, Christchurch, 8053, New Zealand

Parkinson's - Thursday Support Group
2030-04-11 11:00 - 12:00 | Southwest Baptist Church, 244 Lyttelton Street, Christchurch, 8024, New Zealand
This group is for individuals with Parkinson’s and their support person or spouse.

It meets on the 2nd Thursday of each month from 11 am to noon at Southwest Baptist Church.

MS - Wednesday Support Group
2030-04-17 10:30 - 11:30 | Braintree Wellness Centre, 70 Langdons Road, Christchurch, 8053, New Zealand
This peer support group is open to people with MS and meets every 3rd Wednesday of the month from 10.30am to 11.30am at BrainTree.

Parkinson's - Prebbleton Support Group (Full)
2030-04-18 11:30 - 14:00
Facilitated by Alison & Cyril Fifield’s and meets on the 3rd Thursday of the month from 11:30 am-2 pm.

Contact MSPC for more details.

MS - Saturday Coffee Peer Support
2030-04-20 10:30 - 12:00 | Papanui Club, Papanui Club, 310 Sawyers Arms Road, Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand
For people with MS their partners and support people. Meets on the 3rd Saturday of the month, 10am – Noon. Ingrid Robertson & Gail Leonard are the volunteer co-ordinators. The group meets at Papanui Club, 310 Sawyers Arms Road.

They have a private messenger group called MS Peer Support Coffee Group. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1352112375612071
