It’s YOUR Health, Know the Why
MS Symptom Management: How PT Can Help
Throughout this series, we have discussed the many symptoms commonly experienced by people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and discussed ways to help improve and sometimes wholly resolve those specific symptoms. I thought the best way to give you an overview of what physical therapy can do for you was to provide some case examples. I provided information about how I structured their care plan and included three specific exercise programs.
MS Symptom Management: Imbalance
In recent studies, it has been found that about 54% of people with MS report they had a fall in the previous two months, and 63% reported a fall within the last nine months. Falls can result in minor to significant injury, but they can also contribute to a loss of confidence, progressive limitation of activities, and social isolation. Many factors can lead to falls, including biological factors directly resulting from the MS or medications, behavioral characteristics, and environmental factors.
MS Symptom Management: Spasticity
Spasticity is the result of the demyelination of the nerves that regulate muscle tone. People with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) may have spasticity, which occurs when there is a quick stretch to the muscle, causing it to spasm. An example of spasticity would be during the walking cycle when the foot is flexed quickly by the ground; this can apply the quick stretch to the muscle causing the foot to "jump" a few times. The muscle spasm can lead to imbalance or even falls.
MS Symptom Management: Muscle weakness
As related to Multiple Sclerosis (MS), muscle weakness is somewhat like fatigue; there are primary and secondary causes. MS is a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system. It causes demyelination and damage to the axons/neurons themselves, leading to lesions we see on MRIs.
MS Symptom Management: Fatigue & Heat sensitivity
It used to be believed that people with MS should not exercise due to fatigue as it may trigger a relapse or worsen symptoms associated with the disease. However, research in the past 20 years has changed the way of thinking significantly. Many studies have found significant improvements in exercise capacity and fatigue after participating in an appropriately dosed exercise program.