MS Field Report: Week One

As a follow-up to my previous post on Multiple Sclerosis (MS) (Battling Multiple Sclerosis: Integrated Advanced Techniques), I am posting the first in a series of field reports designed to keep you up to date and ¨in the loop¨ as to how these techniques are progressing and what are the objective and subjective observations that are noted. 

It is important to, once again, thank our MS patient for their permission in documenting this journey and for their time and generousity in facilitating the exchange of valuable information and insight.

To review and refresh the specifics of the case involved in this field report, a person with MS is being treated with two (2) of the eight (8) components of the Activ8 System (What is Activ8?).  In cooperation with physiotherapist Richard Paletta and the REB (Rehabilitacion Estructural Biotensegral) Clinic in Rosario, Argentina, this person is receiving various Trans-Fascial Viscolelastic Stimulation (TFVES) techniques as well as receiving elastic taping applications as part of the Activ8 Systemic Health Development protocol.  

Two weeks ago, the first elastic taping applications were applied to his back which remained attached for a full week.  During this week, he received regular TFVES treatments on the back, chest, and lower legs.  He kept to his regular maintenance routine which includes movement based activities like swimming.  Upon completing the first week, he reported that he was able to perform and extra 50 meters above and beyond his usual distance.  Although this does not confirm any direct link with the specific protocol, this does suggest that it could indeed play a significant role in performance based activity and contribute to improved homeostasis.  Given the extra muscular involvement, the following 48 hours were characterized by some significiant muscle aches which indicate that exercise progression should be well monitored and be modified (periodized) carefully. 

The tape was removed fullowing the first week to allow for the skin to breath and be exposed to the air to restore it´s natural condition.  This week begins an additional investigation into the effectiveness of the Activ8 applications on the reduction of chronic inflammation of the legs. 

Silicone Stress Transfer Mediums for TFVES

For the specific manual drainage / connective tissue health development technique on the lower legs, small silicone cylinders are used as a stress transfer medium (maximize mechanical impact and efficiency) with specific loading and rolling parameters to manaully massage the lower leg along the posterior leg beginning on and around the Achilles tendon and extending into the calf and lateral leg.  The colours of the cylinders correspond to different densities and therefore can be adapted to the specific conditions of the area begin addressed. 


The elastic taping application is a relatively common application used in many cases of lymphedema and chronic inflammation conditions.  This particular application covers only the lower leg, but can also be modified to extend into the thigh, depending on the extent of the inflammation.

The first tape (black) is called a fan tape and is applied at the lateral side of the calf just behind the proximal head of the fibula. The fans extend down towards the ankle and spread across the posterior lower leg all the way to the lower medial side.  The second tape (red) is also a fan tape and is applied in a similar fashion starting from the medial side of the calf. 

Note that at the bottom end of the application, there is a small piece of Kinesiotape that extends across the ends of the fan tape...this serves no mechanical purpose other than to ensure the ends do not get caught or pulled away during movement, swimming, or removal of socks etc. 

The TFVES techniques are then applied directly over the elastic tape and contribute to maximum movement of interstitial fluid during the treatment.  In addition, the machanical lifting of the skin allows for continued drainage throught the time it remains on the skin and therefore results in better overall fluid movement and improve peripheral blood flow. 

Activ8 Lymphatic Drainage

In the interest of study and investigation, only the left leg will receive the elastic taping application.  The left side is the most symptomatic and presents the greatest movement challenge to our patient. 

In summary, the first 2 weeks are very encouraging and are characterized by reports of observable and tangible improvements in energy, movement competence, and standing posture and endurance.  This investigation will continue for many more weeks and therefore more palpable and concrete observations will be made as time progresses. 

I hope this first field report is as interesting to you as it is to all of us involved.  The addition of strategic protocols in the battle against MS is essential and should be characterized by a responsible multi-disciplinary response that involves teamwork.  Thanks again to our generous client, Richard Paletta and REB, and to all of the readers.

Cheers!