Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy for Multiple Sclerosis

Progressive MS can mean you lose skills slowly overtime. Exercise can be very beneficial for persons living with MS however as fatigue is also a common symptom it is important to ensure the exercises you are doing are of maximum benefit. The available research/ evidence encourages people with MS to exercise regularly as despite immediate fatigue long-term benefit from being active is decreased fatigue levels and increased movements efficacy and independence.

Immobility and sedentary behaviour also cause muscle weakness and loss of muscle bulk, learning how to exercise for maximum effect helps preserve your maximum abilities. People living with MS can find that their movement abilities can be seriously affected by relatively common problems such as a urine infection and this can cause a loss of function. Optimising your movement your Physiotherapist aims to help you live long and live well with your MS!

As MS can vary widely and can affect the same person differently at different stages it is important to understand how your MS affects your body and your movement.

There are two main types of MS relapsing/remitting and progressive. If you have relapsing/remitting type of MS it is important to take the maximum benefit of your remitting or recovery phase. Assessment and support from a Physiotherapist can help you achieve this.

The symptoms of MS vary widely from person to person and can affect any part of the body. The main symptoms include fatigue, difficulty walking, vision problems, such as blurred vision, problems controlling the bladder, numbness or tingling in different parts of the body, muscle stiffness and spasms, problems with balance and coordination, problems with thinking, learning and planning.

MS can also affect your thinking and emotions. 

Depending on the type of MS you have, your symptoms may come and go (Relapsing MS) in phases or get steadily worse over time (Primary Progressive or Secondary Progressive MS).