5 ways physical therapy supports people with multiple sclerosis

Almost 1 million adults in the United States have multiple sclerosis (MS). This neurological condition causes the body to mistakenly attack cells that act as protective covers to the brain and spinal cord. As a result, MS disrupts signals that the nerves send throughout the body. This autoimmune condition can cause many symptoms, including vision changes, muscle weakness, spasms, stiffness, loss of balance, numbness and pain. These symptoms can come and go in waves, and flare-ups can make even simple activities, like taking a walk, more challenging.

The good news is that physical therapy can help people with MS improve their mobility, balance and quality of life. At KC Rehab, one of our licensed physical therapists can guide you through safe and effective exercises that may build strength, improve balance and reduce your risk of falling. Our team can ensure that you’re safe throughout your treatment and work with you to help you accomplish daily tasks with greater confidence. Though MS can get worse with age, there are many exercises for older adults to help ease symptoms. 

In this article, we explore five ways physical therapy may support people with multiple sclerosis, so you can discover how this treatment may help you manage your symptoms. 

5 ways physical therapy can support people with multiple sclerosis

MS affects each person differently, so symptoms may vary from person to person. That’s why physical therapy is customized to help you address your specific needs. Whether your goal is to improve balance or boost strength, an expert can guide you through exercises to reach it. 

Here are five ways physical therapy can support people with multiple sclerosis:

1. Improving mobility and balance

Physical therapy may help people with MS maintain or improve their ability to move safely. Your physical therapist may recommend balancing exercises and gait training, a type of physical therapy designed to help people improve their ability to walk. These treatments can help reduce the risk of falling, improve coordination and enhance movement. Physical therapy exercises may make walking, standing and doing your daily activities easier.

2. Strengthening muscles

MS can cause muscle weakness, which can make simple tasks like typing or opening a jar more difficult. Your physical therapist may decide to customize a training program to help you build strength in weaker muscles. These exercises can target your arms, legs or core, depending on where you need to gain strength. When you get stronger, you may feel more stable, have better posture, and do common activities like climbing the stairs more comfortably than before. 

3. Managing spasms

Many people with MS have muscle spasms and stiffness. Fortunately, physical therapy may help reduce these symptoms with gentle stretching and range-of-motion exercises. These exercises can improve flexibility and decrease tightness in the muscles, making it easier to move. Depending on your MS symptoms, your physical therapist might also recommend an assistive device like a splint or brace. These tools may help improve flexibility, reducing stiffness and discomfort.

4. Increasing energy

Fatigue is a common symptom of multiple sclerosis, which can make it more challenging to do your daily routine. Physical therapy can increase your energy with exercises, including stretching, strength training and aerobic activities. Exercising may help boost muscle strength and circulation, helping you increase your energy and improve your overall well-being. Having more energy can make it easier to do activities without feeling tired.

5. Supporting independence

Physical therapy can improve balance, coordination, flexibility and strength, helping people with MS do more on their own. Physical therapy can make everyday tasks easier, like getting out of bed, changing your clothes or taking a walk. 

Your treatment can be personalized to your needs and goals, helping you gain the skills you need to do more independently. Over time, this sense of freedom can grow with your abilities, helping you feel more confident doing your normal routine safely. Following your physical therapist’s guidance may help you do more on your own, but as always, you can reach out for professional support if you need it.

Find expert support for multiple sclerosis at KC Rehab

Multiple sclerosis can turn simple daily activities into significant challenges. Fortunately, physical therapy may help slow down this effect, helping you manage symptoms and improve your quality of life. By enhancing your mobility, balance, strength and flexibility, physical therapy exercises can help you move more safely and confidently. 

At KC Rehab, our licensed physical therapists can develop a treatment plan that’s customized to meet your unique goals. We can help you achieve greater independence, reduce discomfort and improve your ability to perform daily activities. 

Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.