Physiotherapy for multiple sclerosis
Fact-checked by Physiotherapy for multiple sclerosis plays a crucial role in helping people with MS maintain mobility and function, as well as improve overall quality of life.
Because MS is a neurological condition that affects the central nervous system, or the brain and spinal cord, it can lead to symptoms such as muscle weakness, fatigue, stiffness, and changes in coordination.
A tailored physical therapy program for MS can help you conserve energy, strengthen your muscles, and maintain functional ability throughout the various stages of the disease.
What to expect from a physiotherapy consultation
After being diagnosed with MS, your doctor may recommend setting up regular physical therapy appointments.
During your first physiotherapy consultation, your physical therapist may:
- assess your current levels of physical activity, mobility, and endurance
- discuss disease progression and your long-term goals
- review any challenges related to the stages of the disease
- create an exercise program tailored to your needs
- provide guidance on exercises to do at home between sessions
How physical therapy helps people with MS
Because people with MS have varied experiences and symptoms, your physical therapist will customize your treatment based on your needs and show you how to adapt exercises as those needs change over the disease course.
Exercises can address specific symptoms of MS, including:
- muscle weakness and reduced endurance
- fatigue and challenges with energy conservation
- balance and coordination difficulties
- muscle stiffness and spasms
- walking and mobility concerns
- pain and discomfort
Muscle weakness and reduced endurance
Muscle weakness can make everyday tasks more challenging. Physiotherapy for multiple sclerosis can help:
- develop strength and resistance exercises that suit your abilities
- gradually increase exercise intensity to build stamina safely
- focus on muscles used for common tasks like walking and lifting
Fatigue and energy conservation
Fatigue can limit your activity throughout the day, but conserving energy can help you manage this symptom.
Physical therapy can help you manage energy levels by teaching you pacing techniques for balancing activity and rest, as well as how to prioritize daily tasks to conserve your energy.
Balance and coordination difficulties
Issues with balance and coordination can raise the risk of falls. Physiotherapy for multiple sclerosis addresses this by:
- providing targeted balance training and core-strengthening exercises
- using task-specific practice to improve coordination for everyday movements
- teaching you techniques for maintaining functional ability
Muscle stiffness and spasticity
Stiffness and muscle spasms, also known as spasticity, may limit comfortable movement and interfere with sleep. Physical therapy approaches can involve:
- stretching routines and flexibility exercises
- manual therapy techniques to relieve tightness
- aquatic therapy to support gentle, full-range movement
Walking and mobility concerns
Changes in walking ability can affect your independence. Your therapist can:
- offer gait training and mobility exercises to improve safety
- suggest assistive devices such as canes or walkers
- adjust exercise programs to enhance endurance and confidence during movement
Pain and discomfort
MS-related pain can interfere with everyday function. Physical therapy addresses it by:
- using posture correction exercises to reduce strain
- applying muscle relaxation techniques and pain-relief methods
- teaching how proper body mechanics can prevent further discomfort
Types of physical therapy exercises
A physiotherapist can use various types of exercises to help people with MS manage symptoms and improve movement.
They can also teach you exercises to safely do at home, helping you maintain progress between sessions. These typically include a balanced routine of aerobic, strength, flexibility, and balance exercises.
- Aerobic exercises: Exercises, such as walking, cycling, or swimming, can help raise your heart rate and promote heart health. Sessions typically range from 10 to 30 minutes, suited to your fitness and tolerance.
- Strength training: These exercises utilize body weight, resistance bands, or light weights to target specific muscle groups, particularly those essential for daily activities and movement, thereby building muscle power without causing excessive fatigue.
- Flexibility and stretching: Incorporating stretching routines and activities, such as yoga, can enhance joint range of motion, reduce muscle stiffness, and promote relaxation.
- Balance and coordination: These exercises may include standing on various surfaces, core-strengthening movements, and exercises that enhance coordination and stability. They may utilize specialized equipment such as balance boards or stability balls.
- Aquatic therapy: This type of therapy uses water to support your body weight and reduce joint stress. Water resistance can help build muscle strength with less effort, allowing for more unrestricted movement and lowering fatigue.
- Motor imagery and functional training: Motor imagery techniques involve mentally rehearsing movements to activate neural pathways. Functional training simulates everyday tasks, such as walking, standing, or reaching, to improve practical skills.
Getting the most out of physiotherapy
To maximize the benefits of physiotherapy for multiple sclerosis, keeping a daily life journal of symptoms and energy levels can be helpful. You can share this information with your physical therapist regularly to help make adjustments to your therapy plan.
Don’t hesitate to communicate your personal goals, even if they feel niche or specific. For example, young adults may want to focus on strengthening exercises that enable them to carry heavy backpacks, participate in sports, or maintain active social and work lives.
Clear communication about what matters most to you helps your physical therapist design sessions that support your daily life, enjoyment, and overall quality of life.
Supporting your body with proper hydration and a nutritious diet also contributes to your ability to engage actively in therapy, conserve energy throughout the day, and sustain long-term progress.
By combining clear communication about your goals with a consistent exercise program, you can make the most of physiotherapy for MS, regardless of your age or lifestyle.
Multiple Sclerosis News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
