Multiple Sclerosis Hope Center

Our multidisciplinary team is here to help patients and their families gain a better understanding of the disease and learn how best to manage symptoms. With an educational focus, the Hope Center offers a variety of classes and services beyond routine doctor’s appointments. Patients will acquire tools to strengthen the skills
needed to manage everyday tasks at any stage along the MS journey.

Group sessions will offer beneficial peer support along with clinical experts specializing in the unique needs of MS patients. Our team brings participants together who are in similar disease stages and incorporates opportunities to share personal experiences with one another. The goal of this exceptional program is to optimize well-being and provide hope for those afflicted with MS.

Services and educational sessions include:

• Pilates
• Yoga
• Guided meditation
• Physical therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Dietary services
• Anti-inflammatory meal preparation classes
• Fitness classes
• Strength and balance education
• Fatigue management
• Stress-reduction and communication techniques

2025 educational sessions:

• 2-13-25: Multiple Sclerosis and Dietary recommendations:
  A registered dietician will present on hot topics of MS and diet recommendations. Review of supplements will also be done. Please come hungry we will be meal prepping with our expert dietician and Occupational Therapist.

• 3-13-25: Stretching 
  To target several areas at once that are prone to tightness for people with MS. Guided mediation will also be included. This session will be led by a Licensed Physical Therapist and certified personal trainer.  

• 4-10-25: Guest presenter Anusha Wijeyakumar, MA, CPC, E-RYT, Dip Mentoring, Hoag Wellness Coach and Consultant:  
  Anusha teaches yoga, meditation and mindfulness practices in a way that honors her students and her teaching style. Her teaching methodology is focused on alignment, breath and beginning the process of quieting the mind, and going within to discover lasting inner peace. Through mindfulness practices we cultivate attention, body awareness and emotional regulation which can help with many health issues related to MS. This session will focus on techniques for improved sleep.

• 5-8-25:  Movement and Balance exercises:  
  When it comes to movement and balance for people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), the focus is primarily on exercises that improve stability, coordination, and posture through activities like stretching, core strengthening, and specific balance drills. This session will be lead by physical therapy and a yoga instructor. This session will help manage symptoms like muscle weakness, spasticity, and impaired balance associated with MS. 

• 6-12-25: Stress and MS : Can meditation help?  
  Common MS symptoms, including fatigue, pain, sleep disturbance, depression, anxiety, and stress can be difficult to manage. Guided meditation can help people with MS deal these symptoms. This session will be led by certified yoga instructor.  

• 7-10-25: Sleep Hygiene    
  Ensuring sufficient quality and quantity of sleep is essential for your overall well-being. By embracing healthy sleep habits, you will notice a significant improvement in your health, energy level and mood. This session will be led by a licensed occupational therapist and specialist in sleep hygiene.    

• 8-14-25: Healthy Communication and working through adversity:
  This session will be lead by a licensed marriage and family therapist. She is passionate about counseling couples and individuals around sexual health and other relationship challenges. She has years of experience working with individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and self-esteem.

• 9-11-25: Driving safety:  
  The goal of Hoag’s Driving Rehabilitation Program is to promote independence and ensure safety while using a vehicle. This program can help maintain a client’s independence, teach compensation strategies for physical, cognitive, and visual limitations, and ensure safety on the road. This session will focus on techniques which can improve driving ability.  

• 10-9-25:  Chair Yoga   
  For people who struggle with traditional yoga, chair yoga can be a great alternative. Chair yoga includes the same elements as traditional yoga, including physical poses (asanas), meditation (dyana), and breathing techniques (pranayama). But the gentle practice modifies standard yoga poses so that you can do them. This session will be led by a certified yoga instructor.  

• 11-13-25: Foods to avoid  
  This session will be led by a registered dietician and focus on your questions about which foods to avoid. A review of health options to replace the unhealthy foods will be presented. Food preparation and a meal will be mad by each participant. 

Location:
520 Superior Ave., Ste 100
Newport Beach, CA 92663

Cost:
Free

Sessions will be held every second Thursday of the month from 4-6 pm. Enter the 520 Superior building on the first floor. Sessions are located in the physical therapy exercise room.

For more information, call 949-764-8141.