Multiple Sclerosis

Physical Therapy and Chiropractic Care for Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis is a disease in which the myelin – the material that protects the nerves in the central nervous system – is damaged. Without myelin, there is no communication between the nerves, so different parts of the nervous system can be affected, including the structures that control movement, mental processes, and sensation. More than 90% of people who suffer from this disease have difficulty with body movements.

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic, progressive disease that affects young adults. Approximately 350,000 people in the U.S. have been diagnosed with it. Although it’s not fatal, the complications from multiple sclerosis can be severe, and they include trouble with breathing and lack of mobility, and as a result, injuries due to falls. Luckily, however, with appropriate physical treatment, the progress of the disease can be controlled, and movement can be maintained and improved.

The Benefits of Physical Therapy for Multiple Sclerosis

Physical therapy plays an important role in keeping a patient with multiple sclerosis functional within their community. For that reason, the focus of our treatments is mainly in the patient’s posture, function, and movement. However, when we prepare the treatment, we always take into consideration the fact that the performance level of our patients is limited by their pain. Once we do the initial tests of the patient’s condition, we set up a personalized plan. Then we teach them different ways to save energy when doing their everyday tasks. Simply put, our goal is to help them achieve a normal physical functioning, independence, safety, and better quality of life. In order to achieve this goal, our treatments include assistive technologies, appropriate equipment, regular exercises, emotional support, encouragement, and education.

The types of exercises for multiple sclerosis are aerobic exercising using rowing machines, treadmill, and stationary bike, balance training, strengthening, and stretching. As we already said, the program is based on the patient’s condition and ability. Other types of exercises include strengthening of legs and arms, stretching activities, balance training, and techniques for relaxation. This type of exercises improves the walking ability and balance.

Dealing with Fatigue During Physical Therapy

Stepping up the physical activity relieves the symptoms that are associated with multiple sclerosis and also provides many additional benefits. For starters, one of the most common complaints among our patients is fatigue, so we combat this problem with the different types of exercises we offer our patients. Not to mention the exercise we do put the patients in the better mood. Our weight-bearing treatment, like walking and jogging, strengthens the bones and prevents from osteoporosis.

At Action Physical Therapy, we carefully time the exercising period in order to avoid the hotter period of the day so that we can prevent excessive fatigue. Our physical therapy program improves the cognitive function and enhances the mood of our patients. We encourage our patients to stay always active because inactivity can result in more health problems. Call us today to learn more about how a clinical member at Action Physical Therapy can help you today!