Physical Therapy for MS

MS is an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the myelin sheath covering nerve fibers in the central nervous system. This disrupts the flow of information between the brain and body, leading to a variety of symptoms that differ for each individual.

Comprehensive and Personalized Care

We understand that every person with MS has unique needs. We customize your program to provide care specific to your needs, ensuring the best possible support on your journey with MS.

Positive Outlook on Progress

All you ever hear are negative comments associated with MS. Despite common belief, individuals with MS can indeed make improvements. While progress may be limited, a thorough and holistic plan of care can steadily enhance one’s function and quality of life.

Overcoming Secondary Symptoms

Many MS symptoms such as weakness, tightness, and poor balance are secondary to reduced movement, not the MS itself. This means that despite having a progressive condition, you can still improve as the secondary deficits are more amenable to therapy. Regular, targeted exercise can help regain strength. Stretches can improve joint mobility. Balance training can reduce fall risk. So addressing these aspects of mobility can certainly lead to progress, especially if you have not been moving much lately.

Slow The Progression

There are progressive types of MS including Primary Progressive, Secondary Progressive, and Progressive Relapsing. We all know the saying “If you don’t use it, you lose it.” This principle applies to all humans, especially those with MS because if you don’t use it, you lose it faster. Physical therapy can help slow the progression of MS. By maintaining and improving your strength, flexibility, and overall fitness, we aim to reduce the impact of the disease on your daily life.

The Role of Exercise

Exercise is essential in managing MS. While caution is necessary to avoid exacerbation of symptoms, too much caution can limit your progress. Research supports doing resistance training to improve muscle strength and fitness for individuals with MS.   

Managing Spasticity

Spasticity is a common symptom of MS causing uncomfortable muscle tightness and stiffness. Through walking, exercises, and stretches, we can help to minimize the effects of spasticity. Additionally, although we cannot prescribe medications, we can provide you with the information needed to discuss optimal medication options with your doctor. 

Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation

Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) is a therapeutic technique that delivers electrical impulses to your muscles to stimulate muscle contractions. It is a great tool to assist with reducing spasticity and improving muscle function, especially when weakness is severe. MS primarily causes plaques on the brain and spinal cord, but not on your peripheral nerves (essentially the nerves in your arms and legs). Thus, NMES can bypass your brain and/or spinal cord and directly stimulate your peripheral nerves and cause muscle contractions. By focusing on specific muscle groups, NMES can enhance mobility, support better movement control, and alleviate the stiffness often associated with MS. 

Addressing Nutrition, Sleep, and Other Lifestyle Modifications

Nutrition, sleep, and lifestyle factors significantly impact MS symptoms. Our comprehensive care includes guidance on these aspects, helping you understand and address how they affect your condition.