Primary Progressive MS
I heard of Carrie through the MS Society. I have gone from being a very fit person (climbing Kilimanjaro in 2011) to being unable to walk unaided and using a wheelchair in times of fatigue.
I have spent a few years going to various professionals who could not tailor exercises suitable for my needs. Over the past 7 weeks Carrie has worked with me using both the gym and the hydrotherapy pool.
Carrie's technique of little by little has been beneficial as I achieve what she sets me to do. I can now operate muscles which I had thought would never function again.
I know without Carrie's guidance my advancements wouldn't have been possible
Joan
MS Get A Head Start
RRMS
The goal of this programme is to maximise the quality of life for people living with MS based on the core principals of fun, high intensity, interval, specificity, frequency and challenge.
The programme certainly achieves these goals in a motivational and empowering approach. It delivers all the elements that it offers: evidence based strength, enfergy, confidence and knowledge.
Until now I was unaware of the appropriate and beneficial forms of exercise for a person with MS but completing the course I have completely changed my mindset about what is achievable and I have learnt exercises that are constructed to stimulate remyelination.
I have enjoyed the programme immensely. Thank you Carrie, you inspire motivation and you made it fun.
Heather
Relapsing Remitting MS
Carrie has been working with me for the past 7 weeks, I have Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis and she is using a MS programme for me. I was using walking aids when I first went to her and with all our hard work I only use them the odd time now. I highly recommend her services
Michelle
MS Get A Head Start
PPMS
As a 57 year old male battling Multiple Sclerosis for the past 19 years and more recently having been hospitalised with blood poisoning – I have lost a lot of both strength and flexibility.
The MS Society notified its members of a Gym based course specifically designed for those with MS run by Carrie Aspin of BioPivotal Clinical Kinetics of Hamilton.
I recently completed this six week course – I attended the gym sessions run by Carrie twice a week - as well as followed a programme designed for me by Carrie - at home on those days I did not attend the gym.
When I reflect on any differences in my strength and/or flexibility post the course I have more movement in my feet, I feel that I’m standing straighter and consider I’m walking in a more normal way when not tired. Overall I consider I’m in a better position physically that prior to taking the course.
I would certainly recommend any person – with - or even without MS – working with Carrie on such a course. Carrie is an excellent coach – very knowledgeable, caring and helpful. She has a genuine desire to help improve the quality of the life of an MS sufferer.
I would be happy to discuss this testimonial with anyone at anytime.
Philip
MS Get A Head Start
SPMS
I first met Carrie who specializes in MS on 21st Dec 2019, having made the decision to give MSGHS programme a go.
This involved a one hour exercise session in a gym twice a week for six weeks. The objective was to educate, improve and thus set goals to enhance my quality of daily life living with MS>
Carrie definitely ticked those boxes and more. She has been very positive, encouraging and enthusiastic throughout this exercise programme.
Carrie demonstrated a sound knowledge and understanding of my personal disabilities associated with MS. She provided full explanations and a personal demonstration was given with all the exercises appropriate to my MS case. I attribute this six week course to a definite improvement in my physical and emotional well being.
Throughout the course Carrie has shown empathy and professionalism along with specific challenges, but most of all she made it fun and very rewarding for me throughout.
Carrie has enabled me to work through my personal everyday obstacles by explaining and demonstrating new and different tools to improve my daily living challenges and goals.
Shelley
Community Services Card
fitness & movement education
for injury prevention work prep
My time with Carrie started just over three months (from memory) ago. My first appointment was a general questionnaire interview type of introductory, which helped Carrie understand more about my physical and mental state, and how to proceed from there.
The second appointment was straight into a physical routine. My case was that for the first time in my life I had put on an unnecessary amount of weight, my spine couldn't handle it, and as a result I was experiencing chronic back pain to the point that sometimes I couldn't walk. So she started off by teaching me the importance of correct posture, which is a straight back and neck. She then showed me a few exercises that focused on strengthening vital muscle groups that all connect as one and improve every day performance.
We continued down this path. She was observant through every point of our time together. Always careful to make sure that my body was reacting the way it should (even the slightest change in posture can make a huge difference), and educating me every step of the way - teaching me how to focus on certain parts of my body with particular exercises and the benefits involved. Every appointment she would shake things up, some days pushing me to my limits, other days toning it down as not to over-do it.
In the end I lost 10 kg, and roughly three weeks on my back has never been stronger. I feel a lot more stronger mentally and emotionally, and am also more confident in public. My mind is a lot more clearer, which has helped with any kind of depression. I am also confident in my own skill set, where when I want to, I can return to some of these exercises at home (the stuff that doesn't require equipment), and immediately I notice and feel the difference.
I highly recommend Carrie to anyone reading this and considering making the next step. If you are on a benefit, ask your case manager about it. If you work, it is well worth your money, don't give it a second thought! She is a trained professional at the forefront of a revolution. That revolution is that one day our doctors will prescribe us exercise instead of pills. This is what our bodies and minds need! We need to go straight to the problem, learn more about it, and then fix it.
Thanks for everything Carrie.
Unresolved full thickness Cuff tear &
Aortic valve replacement
83 year old man
I have found Carrie immensely helpful. I started with her training and she is knowledgeable and dedicated, and I find that now 12 weeks later I am now totally mobile. Carrie is friendly but firm, always striving to get the patient to extend and push for better results.