Physiotherapy for people with multiple sclerosis (MS) focuses on helping them return to roles performed at home, at work and in the community.
Your first visit with a physical therapist will consist of a complete examination to determine your capabilities, difficulties (i.e. weakness, pain, loss of sensation, balance or coordination, activities of daily living you have difficulty with such as walking, dressing or getting into your vehicle).
After the examination, your physiotherapist will develop a specific exercise program for you based on your condition and goals, including a home exercise program.
Research shows that people in the early stages of MS can experience changes in their ability to walk, balance and breathe. If ignored, these early signs can lead to further disability. When someone receives a diagnosis of MS, the best option is to begin a mobility regimen as soon as possible to help improve any mild challenges and possibly slow the progression of the disease's symptoms.
Exercise is helpful for someone with early stage MS. In these cases, exercises include balance training and aerobic exercise using a treadmill, rowing machine or any type of stationary bike. Overall, the program should be based on the patient's ability and developed based on their tolerance. The aim of physiotherapy in the early stages of MS is to help patients perform all their normal activities by being able to set an individual pace.
As MS progresses, further damage may occur. Research in physical therapy has identified benefits for people with MS in many areas after completing different types of exercise programs. Aerobic exercise using equipment such as a treadmill or stationary bike can improve leg strength, walking and endurance, balance and mood.
Another type of tool that is included in the therapy are exercises for general strengthening of the body, these include exercises to strengthen the musculature of the arms and legs, balance training, stretching (stretching) exercises and relaxation techniques. These types of exercises have been found to improve walking ability, leg strength and general balance during normal activities.
People with MS may find aquatic exercise to be a useful way to increase their activity. The pool temperature can help maintain a normal body temperature during exercise. The lifting force that works in an aquatic environment enables people who have difficulty exerting their body on land to walk and exercise, thus maintaining mobility while exercising the respiratory and cardiovascular systems.
