MS Wellness
About the MS Wellness Programs
Did you know that the diagnostic rate of MS in women to men is approaching 4:1? Or, according to the National MS Society, that BIPOC groups diagnosed with MS are more likely to experience relapses and greater disability?
YWCA Central Maine’s MS Wellness Program is a program designed specifically for women diagnosed with MS, but inclusive of all, to integrate healthy behaviors into MS care, create resources, and enhance the overall health and wellness for patients in the Central Maine community.
This program is the first of its kind in Maine and was developed in partnership with and with guidance from medical and physical therapy staff at St. Mary’s Hospital, along with support from community partners. The program emphasizes activities to promote functional mobility, independence, and symptom management to foster health of mind, body, and spirit.
Get email updates about MS Wellness here
Schedule and Programs
Current and past programs have included: Aquatic therapy, Ai Chi (aqua Tai Chi), seated Tai Chi, chair yoga, chair Zumba, mindfulness, meditation, caregiver resilience seminars, social gatherings, art classes, massage, and educational opportunities like learning about swallowing, health & nutrition, beating the heat, how to navigate insurance companies with MS, and more!
October 2024: Weekly Aquatic therapy on Wednesdays from 12:30-1:30 pm
Register Now
Due to limitations of virtual and in-person events, pre-registration is required and attendance may be capped on a first come, first served basis. Caregivers are welcome to participate in programming but must also pre-register.
Program Spotlight: Aquatic Therapy
Our Aquatics programs will be offered in our fully accessible pool and led by specialists in physical therapy. Aquatic therapy is a liberating medium for MS patients that restores mobility and functional movement patterns. Caregivers are welcome to join us in the pool for assistance but must also pre-register.
Curious about what to expect at the MS Wellness Aquatic Therapy class? Watch this video to see what a typical class is like!
Video Resource Series from the YWCA
Balance
In this video, physical therapist Mary Savage from St. Mary’s Health System shares about balance in relation to MS.
Treatment Strategies: Occupational Therapy
In this video, occupational therapist Tom Jones from St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center shares a bit about energy conservation strategies, a common MS treatment strategy recommended by occupational therapists.
Sponsors
Thank you to our 2024 Sponsors!
