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How to Manage Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms with Physiotherapy
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How to Manage Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms with Physiotherapy

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease that has the immune system of a patient attacking the sheath that covers the nerve fibers in the body. There is no real way to repair the myelin, or covering for the nerves, so progressively the overall health and mobility for the patient declines. Physiotherapy can offer a lot of hope and help to retain mobility for a longer period of time.

Progressive and Relapsing-Remitting MS

There are two recognized types of MS, each with their own challenges and time-frame. Progressive MS is a type that has no real break in the damage happening to the nerve coverings throughout the body. It tends to be the most aggressive and can advance quickly. Relapsing-remitting MS has times of flares and times of quiet. Each case is individual, but often the breaks between flares can be long periods of time.

Coping With Life Changes Brought On By MS

MS brings on serious feelings of fatigue, incontinence, unexplained nerve pain, mood swings, memory problems, anxiety and a host of other health troubles. It can be difficult to cope with and adjust to how the body is changing, especially during times of MS flare. A physiotherapist can help you understand what is going on and develop a plan that allows you to stay on top of the changes.

Importance of Physiotherapy After a Flare

There are some MS flares that can be mild, but on average they do a fair amount of damage to the nervous system. A physiotherapist will take a baseline measurement of your skills and abilities shortly after the initial diagnosis. It is recommended to utilize the services of physiotherapy after each and every flare. Your current status will be set against the baseline and recommendations for treatment made. This could include special exercise or life-skill training. It will help you get back on track.

Inpatient and Outpatient Therapy

Physiotherapists offer treatment for MS patients as an outpatient or inpatient service. Those who are living in an assisted-living facility, nursing home or have been hospitalized for injury can receive the services where they are located. If the MS patient is ambulatory and living somewhat independently, outpatient services are also available. Both are equally comprehensive and geared to address the personal needs of each individual patient.

Advanced MS Therapy

As MS advances, mobility becomes more and more of a problem. Many patients end up virtually home-bound, or in a full-time care facility. The physiotherapist can do a lot to help the advanced MS patient maintain the ability to utilize motorized wheelchairs, strengthen muscles to allow an easier time of eating and drinking, as well as improve balance. It offers the ability to maintain as independent a lifestyle as is possible.

Contact expert physiotherapists right away to help retain mobility and health when suffering the affects of MS.