Multiple Sclerosis - MS
Multiple sclerosis (MS)
What is MS?
MS is a neurological condition defined as an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (CNS). The CNS is made up of the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves. MS is characterised by inflammatory change throughout the CNS; which leads to a process known as de-myelination. ‘Myelin’ is a fatty substance that insulates nerve fibres; when this substance becomes inflamed the body will start to destroy the myelin which results in many of the signs and symptoms of MS.
How is MS diagnosed?
Multiple Sclerosis is diagnosed by a neurologist following completion of a comprehensive medical history; neurological exam and medical imaging.
What are some common signs and symptoms of MS?
There are many different symptoms of MS, and each patient can present slightly differently; see below for some common examples of MS symptoms.
- Vision problems
- Fatigue and weakness
- Pain and spasms
- Tingling and numbness
- Balance problems and dizziness
- Mobility issues
- Bladder and bowel dysfunction
- Sexual dysfunction
- Cognitive problems
What role does Physiotherapy play in MS management?
The overall goal of Physiotherapy when working with the MS population is to keep you as active and functional within the community as possible!
What are some common Physiotherapy treatments I could expect to manage the symptoms of MS?
Fatigue: Physiotherapy aims to help MS patients combat feelings of excessive tiredness through treatment options such as aerobic exercise, energy conservation, and activity pacing. The aerobic exercises are closely monitored by your Physiotherapist to ensure you do not overheat, safely pushing your endurance levels to make things in day-to-day life easier.
Your Physiotherapist can also teach energy conservation strategies and activity pacing. By planning out the day and breaking things down into more manageable periods of physical exertion this can prevent the overwhelming fatigue experienced after completing a really big job and then feeling unable to function for the rest of the day.
Pain: Your Physiotherapist will help you decrease pain through different treatments such as massage, stretching, exercise and possibly some adjunctive therapy options such as hydrotherapy and dry needling.
Balance problems: Your Physiotherapist will work with you to first identify the contributing factors to any balance issues, then create a personalised exercise plan addressing these issues. This can include postural/balance exercises, core strengthening, hydrotherapy, strength training and aerobic exercise.
Mobility issues: As experts in human movements and mobility aids your Physiotherapist is well equipped to provide recommendations of movement strategies and potential mobility aids to allow increased independence and decrease the difficulty of mobility tasks such as position changes and walking.
Long term plan when living after an MS diagnosis?
Working as a team with your doctors and other allied health disciplines Physiotherapy can significantly improve your independence, endurance, mobility and quality of life.
Your own individual challenges and MS presentation will need to be tailored; it is important you tell your physio and broader healthcare team what you’re struggling with so we can help you!
Give us a call today to book an appointment with one of our Physiotherapists to start working towards the best version of yourself possible!