Welcoming Physiotherapist Jody Barber as she answers your questions on physical activity and exercise for people living with MS.
In this webinar, we were delighted to welcome Jody Barber, a Physiotherapist with over 30 years experience of supporting people with neurological conditions. Jody was joined by community members Vickie Hadge and Gina Beach, as they answered your questions on the benefits of physical activity and exercise, sleep, building muscle and what to discuss with your own Physiotherapist.
03:22 What is Lymphedema and how best to manage it
13:54 Can physical therapy and exercise help with muscle tiredness?
17:56 Leg fatigue and stiffness
21:25 Physio exercises for rebuilding core strength
25:13 Yoga apps and YouTube programs
27:47 Maintaining mobility and independence as symptoms progress
32:05 Can physio help with pain?
36:30 Can physio exacerbate MS symptoms?
38:27 Tips for getting a good night’s sleep
44:46 Advice for talking about invisible symptoms
49:07 What to look our for when choosing a Physiotherapist
52:02 One piece of advice to take control of your health
55:07 Exercises to help with nerve pain
57:53 How to manage spasms
1:01:22 Advice on improving balance
1:09:45 Meditation and breathing exercises
1:12:49 Exercising and physiotherapy for cognitive issues
1:14:12 Can being overactive cause a flare up of symptoms?
1:16:41 Exercises for people who experience foot drop
1:21:47 Exercising at home with no equipment
1:23:01 Exercising with tremors
Jody Barber
Jody has over 30 years of experience as an NHS physiotherapist and she has dedicated her career to supporting individuals with neurological conditions. Her passion lies in empowering people to live well with long-term progressive neurological conditions, from initial diagnosis to end of life.
Jody’s extensive background spans intensive care, stroke rehabilitation, consultant clinics, long-term condition management, and community-based care. She has worked across the the NHS, private, and charity sectors, and brings a wealth of expertise.
Jody is the Co-Chair of Therapists Interested in Multiple Sclerosis (TiMS) with the MS Trust and is also a qualified yoga teacher with the British Wheel of Yoga. An advocate for an active lifestyle, Jody enjoys running, skiing, swimming and cycling – when the weather is nice. She has a deep love for the outdoors and makes the most of every opportuni9ty to escape in her campervan.
Vickie Hadge
Vickie’s first discernible symptoms of MS were in 2006 but she wasn’t diagnosed until 2017. She had made some lifestyle changes in 2006 but when she was diagnosed, she found the Overcoming MS Program and decided to implement more changes to support her health and wellbeing.
Vickie found the research in the Overcoming MS book refreshing and exciting to read, and it gave her hope that she could live well with MS. Vickie started on a disease modifying therapy to help prevent the progression of her MS, and she continued to implement diet and lifestyle changes to improve her physical and mental health. Vickie is currently a volunteer Ambassador for the Manchester, Connecticut Circle in the US, where she lives with her family.
Gina Beach
Regina “Gina” Beach is the producer of the Living Well with MS podcast. She was diagnosed with Relapsing-Remitting MS with incomplete remission in 2021 and has been following the Overcoming MS Program ever since.
Gina teaches virtual accessible yoga and meditation and runs retreats in the UK and abroad.
Webinar Handout
Information on Lymphoedema: https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/impacts-of-cancer/lymphoedema
Invisible symptoms article: https://www.daleallenberg.com/post/the-invisible-iceberg
Types of exercises for people with MS: https://overcomingms.org/resources/exercise/a-list-of-exercise-tips-for-ms
Free exercises: https://overcomingms.org/resources/exercise
A transcript for this webinar will be available soon.
This webinar was recorded on 8th April 2025 as part of our Living Well with MS Webinar Series.