This Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month, discover how physical therapy can help improve mobility, reduce symptoms, and enhance the quality of life for those living with MS.
Natala Balla, PT, DPT
This month we bring awareness to Multiple Sclerosis.
In the United States, nearly 1 million people have a diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). It affects women two times more than men.
What is Multiple Sclerosis?
A neurological disease that affects the central nervous system. The central nervous system includes the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. A myelin sheath protects our nerves. This sheath ensures proper communication between the nerves in our body. Without the myelin sheath, there is a disruption in the communication.
Picture of normal and damaged myelin sheath.
This a chronic and progressive disease. The symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis are variable from person to person. Some symptoms may include:
- Fatigue that is persistent even with rest
- Memory challenges
- Difficulty with walking and balance
- Numbness
- Pain
- Vision Impairments (eg. double vision, blurry vision)
- Dizziness or vertigo
The most common types of Multiple Sclerosis include:
- Relapsing-Remitting MS (RRMS)
- Secondary Progressive MS (SPMS)
- Primary Progressive MS (PPMS)
Knowing which type of MS you have can help you know what to expect in the long term.
Symptoms can fluctuate. These relapses can vary in duration and strength of symptoms.
MS can go into remission; providing a sense of stability.
How can physical therapy be a tool for those with Multiple Sclerosis?
Your physical therapist will perform an evaluation. This will show any impairments in strength, sensation, balance, or coordination.
In the early stages of MS, it is important to improve upon any impairments. This can aid in slowing down the progression of symptoms.
Physical therapy can be a tool throughout your life to maintain mobility.Your physical therapist will create a program, unique to your needs. This could include:
- Aerobic training which can include walking or use of a stationary bike.
- Strengthening with body weight exercises, resistance bands, or dumbbells.
- Stretching with the assist of a band or your physical therapist.
- Balance training using foam pads, hurdles, and other varying pieces of equipment.
- Check out our Safety Overhead Support System! This piece of equipment allows you to challenge yourself without the fear of falling.
Your physical therapist will promote independence and safety. The goal is to achieve and maintain optimal functioning, and to decrease deconditioning.
Here at Fyzical Therapy and Balance Centers at Fairless Hills, we want to help you be your best self.
In need of physical therapy?
Call us at (267) 874-6000 to speak with our client care specialist.
If you prefer to book an appointment yourself, click HERE.
Or if you prefer to request us to call you to schedule an appointment, click HERE.
We look forward to helping you reach your goals.
Love your life!