Efficient therapy for individuals living with multiple sclerosis: Examining its effectiveness
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a progressive disease affecting the central nervous system, causing damage to the myelin sheath that protects nerve fibres [5]. This damage results in disrupted electrical signals from the brain, leading to a wide range of symptoms. However, physical therapy can play a crucial role in managing MS at various stages of the disease.
In the early stages of MS, physical therapy focuses on maintaining fitness, strength, and coordination to slow symptom progression. Exercises following the Physical Activity Guidelines for MS (PAG-MS)—about 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity weekly plus strength training—help reduce depression and improve mental health, which are common in MS [1][2].
As MS progresses into the middle stages, balance, coordination, and walking difficulties become more pronounced. Physical therapy incorporates targeted balance and coordination exercises, stretching to relieve muscle tightness, and strengthening exercises to counteract spasticity and weakness. These interventions help maintain mobility and daily functioning [3][4].
In the advanced stages of MS, therapy aims to maximize remaining mobility and prevent complications. Techniques include assisted walking, range-of-motion exercises, and adaptive strategies to improve quality of life and reduce fatigue [3][4]. At-home physical therapy may include visits from a specialist and is helpful for people with advanced MS who are unable to drive or are not very mobile.
During remission periods, physical therapy may play a more passive role, with the therapist checking in with the person every few months. However, consistency with any workout program during remission periods is important to help build strength and increase physical functioning.
In the event of a relapse, physical therapy focuses on regaining physical function as much as possible, with the therapist working closely with the person to help them regain function. A specialist can help tailor a physical therapy program to a person's needs, potentially increasing the likelihood of them sticking to the program in the long term.
Physical therapy is a form of noninvasive care that helps ease pain and improve physical function. Exercise can help people with MS by reducing symptoms, restoring function, improving general wellness, boosting quality of life, and increasing activity levels. It is a crucial component of treatment, as there is no outright cure for MS, so treatment typically focuses on slowing disease progression.
Because MS symptoms can vary widely and change over time, physical therapy programs need to be regularly adapted to individuals’ capabilities and needs, ideally under medical supervision [3]. Physical therapy can start right after diagnosis and take place in several locations, including inpatient, outpatient, and at home.
In conclusion, physical therapy offers tailored benefits at different stages of MS by addressing specific symptoms and improving overall function. It plays an important role in all stages of MS, from preventing its development to managing symptoms, and helps people with MS adapt to changes throughout the course of the disease.
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) patients can benefit greatly from physical therapy, which is established as a crucial part of treatment for this neurological disorder.
- In the early stages of MS, physical therapy focuses on maintaining fitness, strength, and coordination to slow symptom progression and improve mental health.
- As MS progresses into the middle stages, physical therapy interventions include targeted balance and coordination exercises, stretching to relieve muscle tightness, and strengthening exercises to counteract spasticity and weakness.
- In the advanced stages of MS, therapy aims to maximize remaining mobility and prevent complications using techniques such as assisted walking, range-of-motion exercises, and adaptive strategies.
- During remission periods, maintaining consistency with any workout program is essential, as it helps build strength and increase physical functioning for MS patients.
- In case of a relapse, physical therapy focuses on regaining physical function, and a specialist can help tailor a program to an individual's needs, potentially increasing the likelihood of adherence to the treatment plan.
