Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Physiotherapy and MS

Physiotherapy can be of great benefit to people with Multiple Sclerosis. A qualified physiotherapist can help you in a variety of ways:

• Preventing loss of mobility
• Helping you manage with symptoms like fatigue and tremors
• Improving strength
• Improving balance
• Reducing the risk of falls
• Provision of some appropriate maintenance exercises for you to carry out
• Managing tone and tightness in muscles

Symptoms of MS

Multiple Sclerosis can affect people in very different ways, some common symptoms are:

• Foot drop
• Fatigue
• Muscle weakness
• Joint stiffness
• Loss of sensation or tingling in the hands and/or feet
• Poor core stability
• Visual impairment

There are several different categories of MS which are used to describe the previous pattern of symptoms that a patient has experienced. This then helps to predict the future patterns of the condition and inform treatment options. Some patients have months or even years between relapses.

Categories of Multiple Sclerosis

1. Relapsing remitting
2. Secondary progressive
3. Primary progressive
4. Progressive relapsing

How can Complete Neuro Rehab help with managing symptoms from MS?

We start by completing an assessment so that we can best meet your needs. We like to encourage and support you to set realistic treatment to improve your physical ability or reduce deterioration in functional capacity. We ensure that you continue to gain benefit from sessions with us by regularly reviewing and adjusting your rehabilitation programme as you progress.

At Complete Neuro Rehab we are experienced in assessment for and the set-up of FES (functional electrical stimulation). This is a treatment that has been well documented by NICE (National Institute for Clinical Excellence) as beneficial for people with MS. A full assessment would need to take place by our Physiotherapist in order to determine if FES is appropriate for you.

Typical MS treatment may consist of the following:

• Assessment of your condition
• Formulation of a rehabilitation programme specific to you
• FES (Functional electrical stimulation)
• Regular re-assessment of your rehabilitation goals
• Core stability / Pilates based exercise
• Positioning assessment and advice
• Postural assessment

Further support can be found through the MS Society where you can find information on local support groups and online communities.