Physiotherapy for Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

A person with MS can gain great benefit from physiotherapy treatment. Neurological physiotherapists play a key role in the treatment of MS. 

Physiotherapy treatment will improve mobility, muscle strength, joint flexibility and balance as well as increasing energy levels and reducing muscle spasm. 

Neurological physiotherapy treatment will help you achieve your maximum potential by increasing independence with your functional ability. Physiotherapy is important when the physical symptoms are changing, or during the recovery phase after a relapse. Physiotherapy treatment will depend on which symptom you are experiencing at the time and treatment programmes will be tailored to your individual needs. Neurological physiotherapy treatment will be centred around:

  • Exercises to reduce spasticity and encourage more normal movements
  • Activities to promote functional ability so that you can enjoy daily activities that are important to you.
  • Correcting posture with particular emphasis on the right way to stand, to walk, to rise from a sitting or lying position, and how best to position oneself for sleeping.
  • A range of exercises to keep muscles strong and strengthen those that are weak
  • Specialised stretches to relieve stiffness or spasms and keep joints flexible.
  • Balance training to improve coordination and make walking easier.
  • Advice on walking aids, ankle braces or orthotic devices to aid everyday activities and minimise injury.
  • Hydrotherapy treatment can help people with MS stretch tight muscles and improve posture in standing and walking.

During the initial assessment your physiotherapist will see how MS affects you and a structured rehabilitation programme will be developed suited to your needs. The treatment program will then be adjusted appropriately, following re-assessment when you have made progress or when your symptoms change. 

Neurological physiotherapy will improve your quality of life by promoting recovery during flare ups and maximising your functional potential. This will make activities of daily life and mobility easier to achieve.