PHYSIOTHERAPY AND MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS
Symptoms of MS include fatigue, altered sensation and pain, muscle
spasms and stiffness, decreased balance. All of these can lead to decreased
mobility and decreased independence.
The main areas of difficulty for someone with MS can include:
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Poor exercise tolerance on a background of high levels of fatigue.
Altered gait pattern, often with the dragging of one foot and poor floor
clearance.
Decreased balance and risk of falls, as a result of a combination of
factors including muscle weakness/stiffness, spasms, altered
sensation.
Difficulty with bed mobility secondary to spasms and pain.
Physiotherapy treatment can include:
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Bed mobility and transfer practise.
Muscle stretching and strengthening.
Gait re-education with use of ankle splints and mobility aids as
appropriate.
Balance re-education using different exercises to improve static,
dynamic and reactive responses.
Home exercise programme.
Advice on fatigue management and pacing of activities.
Advice to family and carers.
Advice on aerobic exercise and improving cardiovascular fitness.
For a detailed stretching programme, including an exercise log go to
http://ms-society.ie/uploads/File/everyone_stretch_canadianbooklet.pdf.
For advice on fitness and general activities go to
society.ie/uploads/File/MSandFitness_canadianbooklet.pdf.
For a general strengthening
Strengthening Exercises
programme
please
see
http://ms-
previous
For a general balance programme see previous page: Balance Exercises
page:
REMEMBER: Never do an exercise if it feels too difficult or is causing
pain. If you are in any doubt or need clarification speak to your
chartered physiotherapist.