How Can Physical Therapy Help With Managing Multiple Sclerosis?
By: Emilia Kubera-Shelton, DPT
Bowie Location
Signs and symptoms of MS vary widely between patients and depend on the location and severity of nerve fiber damage in the central nervous system. Some people with severe MS may lose the ability to walk independently or ambulate at all. Other individuals may experience long periods of remission without new symptoms depending on their type of MS.
Common symptoms include:
• Numbness, tingling, or weakness in one or more limbs that typically occurs on one side of your body at a time
• Electric-shock sensations that occur with certain neck movements, stiffness or
spasticity
• Lack of coordination and unsteady gait
• Vision changes
• Dizziness
• Problems with sexual, bowel, and bladder function
• Fatigue
• Slurred speech
• Cognitive problems
• Mood disturbances
Research shows that exercise is essential in managing MS and its secondary problems. A physical therapist can create a plan of care that will focus on specific MS symptoms and overall improvement of function. Exercises beneficial to someone with early MS include strengthening, balance training, stretching, and aerobic training. The program should generally be based on the individual’s ability and progress at that person’s tolerance level.
The goal of physical therapy in the early stages of MS is to help you perform all your normal activities safely and efficiently. As MS progresses, further disability can occur. Research in physical therapy has identified benefits for people with MS in many areas after completing different types of exercise programs. Exercise can improve your leg strength, walking, exercise endurance, balance, and mood and can help with stiffness and spasticity.
