Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Physiotherapy (physio) plays a crucial role in the management of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) by helping to:

  • Maintain mobility

  • Reduce symptoms

  • Improve function and quality of life

  • Manage fatigue and prevent complications

Here’s how physiotherapy typically helps in MS treatment:

🔹 1. Assessment and Goal Setting

  • Initial evaluation of mobility, strength, balance, coordination, and fatigue levels

  • Goals tailored to individual needs (e.g., walking improvement, reducing falls, maintaining independence)

🔹 2. Exercise Programs

Customized exercises can help address MS-related impairments:

a. Strength Training

  • To counteract muscle weakness, especially in legs and core

  • Often uses body weight, resistance bands, or light weights

b. Flexibility and Stretching

  • To reduce muscle stiffness and spasticity

  • Helps prevent contractures (permanent tightening of muscles)

c. Balance and Coordination Training

  • MS often affects proprioception and cerebellar function

  • Exercises may include single-leg stands, dynamic balance tasks, or stability ball exercises

d. Aerobic Conditioning

  • To improve cardiovascular fitness and manage fatigue

  • Low-impact activities like walking, cycling, swimming, or seated aerobics

🔹 3. Gait Training

  • To address walking difficulties (e.g., foot drop, poor posture, uneven stride)

  • Use of treadmills, parallel bars, or assistive devices (like canes or walkers)

🔹 4. Fatigue Management

  • Teaching energy conservation techniques

  • Pacing activities, using rest breaks, and optimizing daily routines

  • Mild-to-moderate exercise shown to reduce fatigue over time

🔹 5. Spasticity and Pain Management

  • Passive stretching and positioning techniques to reduce spasticity

  • Modalities like heat, TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation), or hydrotherapy

🔹 6. Education and Self-Management

  • Teaching patients how to manage symptoms independently

  • Home exercise programs, fall prevention tips, and guidance on safe movement patterns

🔹 7. Rehabilitation Technology and Aids

  • Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) for foot drop

  • Mobility aids or orthotic devices to assist with movement

🔹 8. Multidisciplinary Collaboration

  • Physios often work with occupational therapists, speech therapists, and neurologists to provide holistic care

Summary:

Physiotherapy for MS is about maintaining function, maximizing independence, and improving quality of life. While it doesn’t alter disease progression, it plays a vital role in managing symptoms and reducing complications.