How Physical Therapy Can Help with Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a progressive disease with a high level of unpredictability. It occurs when the immune system of a person directly attacks the nerve fibers as well as the sheathing that surrounds those nerve fibers. As a result, inflammation occurs. This inflammation then interrupts the processes associated with nerve cells. Finally, the electrical-based messaging system within the central nervous system (brain and spine) are then negatively impacted.

Each person diagnosed with this condition is affected in their own unique way; however, all people with multiple sclerosis may benefit from participating in physical therapy.

In this guide, we will outline how physical therapy can help with multiple sclerosis.

What is Multiple Sclerosis?

Multiple sclerosis is a disease of the body that involves the direct loss of myelin. This material protects the nerves in the central nervous system. When nerves do not have that myelin protection, they cannot communicate with one another.

The symptoms experienced by patients vary based on the area of the nervous system that is impacted.

What are the Symptoms of MS?

There are many symptoms associated with multiple sclerosis. In most instances, the first sign of the condition is double vision. In addition to this, any of the following symptoms may also be experienced:

• Extreme fatigue that is not relieved from rest may be experienced.
• Many experience extreme difficulty with walking and may also suffer from balance problems.
• The legs and the arms of many MS patients may feel heavy and stiffness and/or spasms may be experienced.
• Problems with the bladder and/or the bowel such as urine leakage and/or high levels of urgency may be experienced.
• Cognitive issues – such as thinking issues and memory problems may be experienced.
• Various types of sexual dysfunction may be experienced by someone who has MS; examples include experiencing less sensitivity or sensation, lower levels of desire, complications in achieving an orgasm, and dryness.
• Many patients experience pain and other types of sensations.
• Mood and emotional issues may be experienced. Examples of these include depression and not appearing to have any feelings, which is apathy.
• Vision problems are very common such as double vision, blurry vision, and random and unusual movements of the eyes.
• Many experience speech and swallowing issues when they have MS.
• Vertigo and dizziness may also be experienced.

Physical therapy is capable of assisting those that experience most of the above-listed symptoms – especially those involving movement and range of motion.

Do The Symptoms of MS Come and Go?

Yes, the symptoms that MS patient experiences are capable of coming and going. This is because the disease is capable of going into remission. When someone with MS experiences a relapse, the symptoms that they suffer from may vary in terms of strength and overall duration.

For example, one may experience a relapse as a result of being around heat. Some relapses will cause a patient to be hospitalized and other patients will be capable of managing their symptoms at home with one or more medications.

Once the symptoms start to settle a person may experience a little bit of function loss. Many may recover quickly after a relapse. Then, there are those that will experience some degree of disability after a relapse.

When in remission from Multiple Sclerosis, a physical therapist may aid in providing a boost to strength, range of motion, and endurance levels.

What Can a Physical Therapist Do for People with MS?

A physical therapist can help neurological disorders in many different ways. The ultimate goal is to help the patient return to the roles that they experienced previously at home, at their job, and within their community. The following outlines the main steps involved when a MS patient sees a physical therapist:

1. First, the patient has a complex examination done to determine the impairments, limitations, and restrictions that they have.
2. The patient will be asked about the goals that they have, and the condition of the patient will be considered.
3. An exercise program will be created that is tailored to the patient.
4. It has been established that in the early stages of multiple sclerosis that the patient experiences complications in their ability to walk, maintain their balance, and in breathing. A physical therapist will place a special focus on these activities early in the treatment program that they set up. This will help in – possibly – slowing down the overall progression of the disease.

Will Regular Physical Therapy Programs Provided Additional Benefits?

It is true that newly diagnosed multiple sclerosis patients should attend physical therapy sessions. If the patient continues to receive PT, they will reap many rewards including the following:

• Improved Gait
• Increased Strength of The Core of Their Body
• Improvements in Balance
• Higher Levels of Flexibility
• Reduced Bouts of Spasticity
• Optimal Coordination
• The Ability to Endure Higher Levels of Aerobic Activity
• Improved Functionality of the Respiratory System
• Coping with the Changes That Occur in the Body
• Help in Developing Strength and Stamina
• Aid in Helping Patients in Avoiding the Worsening of Symptoms
• Help in Regaining Various Bodily Abilities After a Relapse

Are There Different Types of PT Treatments for MS Patients

There are various types of PT treatments for MS patients. The following outlines the most common, along with a brief explanation of each:

• Exercise and Fitness – This type of treatment includes various types of exercise machines and even programs such as yoga
• Strengthening – This type of treatment is designed to build up the legs and the arms through activities like balancing, relaxation techniques, and stretching activities.
• Water Therapy – This is often referred to as “aquatic therapy”. This includes exercises performed in the pool. The overall buoyancy of the water helps in supporting people that have complications in walking. The good thing about this type of therapy is that the water buoyancy helps to offset the weight of the body of the patient and provides a high level of support for the limbs. This helps the body feel lighter and the sufferer does not have to be scared of falling or of having any types of problems as a result of coordination.

Where is Physical Therapy for MS Administered?

There are many places when people with MS may have physical therapy done. It can be done at home, at a specialized inpatient MS treatment center, and even at an outpatient facility where physical therapists do rotations. The physical therapy done is typically different at each facility or location of therapy. The following provides a brief description of each:

1. Home Physical Therapy – In most instances, home physical therapy is performed on those who are newly diagnosed. This is because the patient must learn to adjust to the new changes that are happening within their body. This type of therapy is also provided to those that are in the late stages of the disease and cannot move as easily as others.
2. Inpatient Physical Therapy – Inpatient physical therapy for people who have multiple sclerosis typically occurs at a healthcare facility where the person has been admitted. This could be a hospital, a treatment center that is designed for patients with MS, and/or a care facility that is either short-term or long-term. It may be prescribed as part of the patient’s treatment plan.
3. Outpatient Physical Therapy – This type of physical therapy may occur in a physical therapist office, a therapy center, or even at a doctor’s office. In short, it is where the patient comes, engages in the therapy, and then leaves after the therapy is done.

The Physical Symptoms

The symptoms that a patient with multiple sclerosis experiences may be minimized through the use and help of physical therapy. An individualized treatment plan will be developed and that plan will place an emphasis on the areas of the highest concern.

This type of therapy is actually considered to be essential in managing the physical symptoms the patient with MS experiences. This involves the use of various types of exercises, an assortment of techniques, and numerous strategies that will help in the improving the functioning of the patient. These place an emphasis on the following:

• Balance
• Coordination
• Mobility
• Range of Motion
• Strength

Physical therapy may also help with spasticity, gait training, difficulties in walking, and more. If you have multiple sclerosis and you want to manage your symptoms and improve your physical-based functioning, we can help you here at Back to Motion Physical Therapy. We will create an individualized treatment plan for you, work with you one-on-one and ensure that your quality of life is instantly improved.

If you are tired of the muscle tightness, the pain, the numbness and tingling, and the fear of falling, we encourage you to contact us today to set up an appointment. You may also call to inquire about the range of services that we offer, have your questions answered, and learn what insurance we accept and how much are services are. Why continue struggling when we can help give you a new handle on life? Contact us now by calling: 303-832-5577