Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, disabling disease in which the body’s immune system attacks the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms and severity vary from person to person, but common symptoms include numbness and tingling in the face, body and extremities; balance, coordination and gait problems; spasticity, in which muscles involuntarily stiffen, tighten or spasm; decline in cognitive functions; and fatigue.
For many years, physicians recommended that people with MS avoid exercise. They believed that exercise increased fatigue and spasticity. However, research has shown that a balanced, individualized exercise program is highly beneficial to many people with MS. In fact, the National Center on Health, Physical Activity and Disability notes that exercise helps people with MS by
- improving balance
- managing spasticity
- decreasing muscle atrophy
- slowing cognitive decline while reducing depression and improving mood
Because symptoms vary considerably and change over the course of the disease, each person’s program must be individualized and evaluated regularly by a physical therapist experienced with the unique and varied symptoms of MS. We can work with you and your physician to design exercises appropriate to your symptoms, with an emphasis onwalking, balance, posture, flexibility and muscle strengthening. We can also show you the safest way to use assistive devices such as canes and walkers. Not only will an exercise program help you betterperform activities of daily livingbut it will help prevent complications of inactivity such as muscle atrophy and decline in cardiac and respiratory function.
Once learned, many exercises can be performed at home. We will maintain an ongoing relationship with you and your physician to adjust your exercise program as your situation and symptoms change.
