Multiple Sclerosis
Physical Therapy for Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease affecting the central nervous system. MS damages the myelin that surrounds nerves causing inflammation and scarring. This can lead to decreased transmission of nerve impulses, causing physical, cognitive, and visual impairments such as:
Muscle weakness
Fatigue and decreased endurance
Numbness and tingling in the hands and feet
Increased tone and spasticity
Foot drop
Decreased balance
Decreased confidence in completing your daily routine
Rediscover your life…in balance
"They have helped me get back to my day-to-day routine. I can walk better, my balance is better, I can do groceries and drive where I want to go.
I really appreciate their medical device knowledge. I now wear a leg device that allows me to wear whatever clothing and shoes I want to wear and this is huge for me!"
Neuro-focused physical therapy targets the symptoms you may experience with Multiple Sclerosis to improve movement and endurance.
How does Balance Back to Life PT help our clients with MS?
Multiple Sclerosis is complex! Because of that, it can affect each person differently. Balance Back to Life physical therapists work with you to create a supportive treatment plan that fits your goals and lifestyle while concentrating on your specific symptoms and impacts.
Common treatments for our MS patients include:
Gait training
Lower and upper body strengthening (with and without weights)
Functional training focusing on improvement e.g., getting up from a chair, navigating stairs, moving around your home, etc.
Balance training on inside and outdoor surfaces
Cardiovascular training using a bike or treadmill
Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) for neuromuscular re-education and foot drop
Electrical stimulation for pain management
What is the frequency and length of physical therapy for MS?
Balance Back to Life PT allots a full 60-minute hands-on session to allow for individualized and more complex treatments. For our MS patients, we generally recommend PT twice a week for 3-4 months or for as long as you feel you are benefiting from hands-on, personalized treatment. Our home-based practitioners also provide you with a detailed home therapy exercise program to give you the confidence and independence to complete exercises safely by yourself. Because the condition varies widely with very specific, personal impact based on factors that include severity, age and lifestyle, we work with your availability and your goals.
We are here to help you on this journey as you balance back to life!