MS (Multiple Sclerosis)
MS typically involves a series of relapses and prognosis is unpredictable, although a small proportion of people with MS (15%) have a steady progression of disability. Some people with MS can develop complex patterns of disability affecting physical and social function. Problems with mobility, balance, fatigue and spasticity are common.
Physiotherapists provide a unique contribution to the management of people with MS through the improvement and maintenance of functional abilities and management of the long term symptoms. NICE guidelines 2003 recommend that physiotherapy is included in MS management to maximise potential for independence, improve employment sustainability and reduce the impact that the disease has on health and quality of life factors.
Problems that physiotherapy can help with include;
Physiotherapists provide a unique contribution to the management of people with MS through the improvement and maintenance of functional abilities and management of the long term symptoms. NICE guidelines 2003 recommend that physiotherapy is included in MS management to maximise potential for independence, improve employment sustainability and reduce the impact that the disease has on health and quality of life factors.
Problems that physiotherapy can help with include;
Muscle spasms and spasticity
Muscle spasms and spasticity can be improved with physiotherapy. Stretches can be performed to help prevent secondary complications of spasticity. We can also teach you as careers how you can complete these stretches at home, for increased effectiveness. In turn aiding with any pain that may be experienced due to the spasticity. Furthermore your physiotherapist will be able to assess and advise whether specialist splinting or casting may be beneficial to pain and keep functional range of movement within joints.
Muscle spasms and spasticity can be improved with physiotherapy. Stretches can be performed to help prevent secondary complications of spasticity. We can also teach you as careers how you can complete these stretches at home, for increased effectiveness. In turn aiding with any pain that may be experienced due to the spasticity. Furthermore your physiotherapist will be able to assess and advise whether specialist splinting or casting may be beneficial to pain and keep functional range of movement within joints.
Musculoskeletal pain
You will probably have musculoskeletal pain if you have muscle spasms and spasticity, as it is caused by excess pressure and stiffness in your joints.
Physiotherapy can help with musculoskeletal pain by suggesting exercise techniques or better seating and sleeping positions. They can also complete massage, stretching and mobilisation of areas where stiffness may be due to reduced movements and muscle stiffness in order to alleviate pain in areas.
You will probably have musculoskeletal pain if you have muscle spasms and spasticity, as it is caused by excess pressure and stiffness in your joints.
Physiotherapy can help with musculoskeletal pain by suggesting exercise techniques or better seating and sleeping positions. They can also complete massage, stretching and mobilisation of areas where stiffness may be due to reduced movements and muscle stiffness in order to alleviate pain in areas.
Mobility Problems
As with musculoskeletal pain, mobility problems are usually the result of muscle spasms and spasticity or muscle weakness in MS. Your joints and muscles may tighten, making it hard to move around.
If you have mobility problems, it's best to try to prevent muscle spasms and spasticity in the first place with physiotherapy or medication (see above). Your muscles can tighten to the point where it's painful and difficult to move at all, which is known as a contracture and may require intensive treatment – of which physiotherapist can advise.
Muscle weakness can be helped by strengthening exercises or learning to compensate for weakness by using other muscles. Of which physiotherapist will advise and rehabilitate using various varsities of equipment available – Our gym has an extensive array of specialist equipment to suit all levels and dependencies.
Results from randomised controlled clinical trials of exercise programmes in MS have demonstrated benefits in muscle strength, cardiovascular fitness, aerobic thresholds and activity levels and functional improvements, such as walking ability.
As with musculoskeletal pain, mobility problems are usually the result of muscle spasms and spasticity or muscle weakness in MS. Your joints and muscles may tighten, making it hard to move around.
If you have mobility problems, it's best to try to prevent muscle spasms and spasticity in the first place with physiotherapy or medication (see above). Your muscles can tighten to the point where it's painful and difficult to move at all, which is known as a contracture and may require intensive treatment – of which physiotherapist can advise.
Muscle weakness can be helped by strengthening exercises or learning to compensate for weakness by using other muscles. Of which physiotherapist will advise and rehabilitate using various varsities of equipment available – Our gym has an extensive array of specialist equipment to suit all levels and dependencies.
Results from randomised controlled clinical trials of exercise programmes in MS have demonstrated benefits in muscle strength, cardiovascular fitness, aerobic thresholds and activity levels and functional improvements, such as walking ability.
Fatigue and tiredness
Many people with MS experience extreme tiredness. Your GP or MS specialist nurse should assess this to see if there's another reason for your fatigue other than MS, such as medication or poor diet.
If your fatigue is due to muscle weakness or imbalance, physio can again asses this and address it through exercises and advising energy efficiency techniques.
Exercise is generally highly valued by patients who report improvements in mood and quality of life.
Furthermore there is a strong body of evidence demonstrating that exercise used as part of a rehabilitation program can increase activity and improve the health and well-being of people with MS.
Many people with MS experience extreme tiredness. Your GP or MS specialist nurse should assess this to see if there's another reason for your fatigue other than MS, such as medication or poor diet.
If your fatigue is due to muscle weakness or imbalance, physio can again asses this and address it through exercises and advising energy efficiency techniques.
Exercise is generally highly valued by patients who report improvements in mood and quality of life.
Furthermore there is a strong body of evidence demonstrating that exercise used as part of a rehabilitation program can increase activity and improve the health and well-being of people with MS.
