Can Physiotherapy Help with Multiple Sclerosis?

Jane Raleigh explains how neurological physiotherapy plays a transformative role in managing symptoms and enhancing quality of life for people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

Living with MS can bring a range of physical and emotional challenges. However, Multiple Sclerosis neurological physiotherapy helps people manage these difficulties while improving independence, mobility, and confidence in daily life.

At SP Therapy Services, our experienced neurological physiotherapists provide home-based MS care across Greater Manchester, Lancashire, and South and West Yorkshire. Each plan is tailored to help you maintain mobility, reduce fatigue, and prevent secondary complications.

How Neurological Physiotherapy Supports People Living with MS

Multiple Sclerosis neurological physiotherapy addresses the complex symptoms MS presents. Our goal is to help you manage changes in your body while promoting long-term wellbeing and participation in meaningful activities.

Our evidence-based approach focuses on:

Maintaining and improving mobility
Reducing fatigue and stiffness
Building confidence in everyday tasks
Preventing complications caused by inactivity

Key Benefits of MS Physiotherapy

Working with a neurological physiotherapist can lead to:

Improved balance and coordination
Enhanced muscle strength and flexibility
Better fatigue management strategies
Reduced spasticity and pain
Increased confidence with daily activities

Physiotherapy can also improve mood, motivation, and overall quality of life.

Understanding Different MS Types and Physiotherapy Approaches

Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS)

RRMS affects around 85% of people diagnosed with MS. It involves distinct relapses followed by partial or complete recovery.

Our physiotherapy approach for RRMS focuses on:

Improving function during stable periods
Adapting exercises during relapses
Preventing deconditioning between episodes
Building resilience for future challenges

Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (PPMS and SPMS)

Progressive MS includes Primary Progressive MS (PPMS) and Secondary Progressive MS (SPMS), both involving gradual worsening of symptoms over time.

Multiple Sclerosis neurological physiotherapy for progressive MS aims to:

Slow functional decline
Maximise remaining abilities
Teach energy conservation and pacing techniques
Recommend adaptive equipment when needed

The Advantages of Home-Based MS Physiotherapy

At SP Therapy Services, we understand that living well with MS requires care that adapts to your lifestyle. Our home-based Multiple Sclerosis neurological physiotherapy allows you to receive expert treatment in a familiar, comfortable setting.

Personalised Environment Assessment

Your physiotherapist will assess how you function in your home, gym, workplace, or college. We look for practical ways to increase movement, participation, and activity within the places that matter most to you.

This ensures that every Multiple Sclerosis neurological physiotherapy intervention is directly relevant to your daily life.

Flexible Scheduling Around Symptoms

MS symptoms can fluctuate from day to day. Home visits make it easier to schedule sessions around your energy levels and symptom patterns.

We see how movement is affected on both good and bad days, then work with you to find solutions that reduce fatigue and make activities more manageable.

Family Education and Support

We train family members and carers in safe handling techniques and exercise supervision. This creates a supportive network around you, extending your rehabilitation beyond formal sessions.

Evidence-Based Treatment Strategies for MS

Fatigue Management

Fatigue affects up to 95% of people with MS. Yet, exercise can play a positive role when it’s carefully balanced.

Our physiotherapists teach energy conservation techniques, pacing strategies, and activity modification to help you manage fatigue effectively.

Mobility and Balance Training

We offer targeted balance exercises, gait re-education, and mobility aid assessments. These help you maintain safe, independent movement both at home and out in your community — giving you the confidence to do what’s meaningful to you.

Falls Prevention and Management

We know the fear of falling can be as limiting as a fall itself. Our physiotherapists help you build confidence, reduce risk, and develop a falls management plan so you and your family know how to stay safe.

Spasticity Management

Muscle stiffness and spasms can have a big impact on quality of life. Our Multiple Sclerosis neurological physiotherapy programmes include stretching routines and positioning advice to help reduce spasticity.

When Botulinum Toxin injections are used to manage spasticity, physiotherapy can significantly enhance their effectiveness.

Exercise Prescription

Research shows that regular, tailored exercise benefits people with MS. We create individual exercise plans that respect your limitations while helping you maintain strength, flexibility, and function.

Technology, Innovation, and Collaboration in MS Care

Telehealth Support

Our physiotherapists can offer telehealth appointments between home visits. This allows you to stay connected and supported, even on days when an in-person session isn’t possible.

Collaborative Approach with Local MS Societies

We work in partnership with the Bury and Greater Manchester MS Society.

Through this collaboration, members in the Greater Manchester area may be eligible for a limited number of funded physiotherapy sessions to support their rehabilitation journey.

When Should You Start MS Physiotherapy?

Early intervention is key. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or noticing changes in your symptoms, Multiple Sclerosis neurological physiotherapy can help at any stage of your MS journey.

Don’t wait for symptoms to progress — proactive physiotherapy leads to better long-term outcomes.

Conclusion: Living Well with Multiple Sclerosis

Living well with MS is achievable with the right support and expertise. Multiple Sclerosis neurological physiotherapy provides the tools to manage symptoms, improve independence, and enhance your quality of life.

Our home-based approach ensures you receive expert, personalised care designed around your unique needs and environment.

Take control of your MS journey today. Contact SP Therapy Services to discover how our specialist team can help you live your best life.

You can also explore our dedicated MS page for more information and resources from the NHS and MS Society.

About the Author: Jane Raleigh

Jane Raleigh specialises in delivering therapy in real-world environments — from homes and community centres to more adventurous settings such as adapted cycling sessions, skiing, horse therapy, and aqua aerobics.

Her approach is always meaningful, goal-oriented, and focused on improving confidence, motivation, and quality of life.

Read Jane’s full profile:
👉 Meet Jane Raleigh – SP Therapy Services Yorkshire Team

Learn how Jane integrates a Neuro Pilates approach into her physiotherapy practice:
👉 Regaining Control with Neuro Pilates

Jane is based in Holmfirth, but our wider specialist team also supports people with MS across Barnsley, Bradford, Bury, Blackburn, and Stalybridge.

Reviews

Marie Oxtoby

I am the Chair/Co-ordinator of Bolton Neuro Voices, a small local charity. I first contacted SP Therapy Services in 2012 when I was looking for a neuro physiotherapist to help us pilot a new Hydrotheraoy Course for people with long-term neurological conditions. Since then Susan Pattison and her staff have helped us to deliver ten courses to a total of more than 200 people and to facilitate the progress of many on to ongoing Continuation Programmes. Her expertise and willingness to listen and respond to our needs and those of our very varied participants is hugely appreciated and our partnership has gone from strength to strength. I unreservedly recommend this practice.

Amanda Knight

Andy provided a very thorough and considered physiotherapy assessment of a client with complex needs. His report was to a very high standard and underpinned all immediate and long term therapy needs. Thank you!

Elaine O'Flaherty

Very professional service and high quality of reports and communication to ensure best practice and outcomes for my clients.

Suzanne

SP Therapy Services has supported Greater Manchester Spinal Injury Group for many years. Susan and Rebecca have demonstrated knowledge and skill and been adaptable to working in community settings. I would have no hesitation in recommending SP Therapy Services

Janet Penny

I am delighted to endorse the team at SP Therapy Services. They consistently provide exceptional therapy and support their practice with sound, detailed documentation, which always arrives in a timely manner. The friendly clinicians are a credit to this fabulous company and it is evident that they always keep their patients at the centre of everything they do.