Multiple Sclerosis MS Physiotherapy Treatment

Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

What is Multiple Sclerosis?

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune condition which can affect the brain and spinal cord. In the case of MS, the immune system which normally helps fight off infections mistakenly attacks healthy nerve cells causing inflammation and damage.

This damage can slow or interrupt messages travelling along nerve fibres within the nervous system from the brain to the rest of the body. MS is unpredictable and depending on where the damage takes place will determine the type and severity of symptoms.

The cause is not fully understood although it is thought to be due to a mixture of genetic and environmental factors. MS is often diagnosed in people in their 30s, 40s and 50s, affecting almost three times as many women as men.

Types of Multiple Sclerosis

There are 4 main types of MS are:

Relapsing-Remitting MS – Where people may have distinct episodes or ‘attacks’ of new and old symptoms which then fade away. These episodes are called relapses.
Secondary Progressive MS – Many people who initially have relapses go on to develop secondary MS where relapses become less frequent.
Primary Progressive MS – This type rarely has relapses and is used when symptoms gradually worsen from the onset.
Benign MS – This term refers to when there is a one-off episode of MS with no further relapses.

Signs and symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis

Any part of the body can be affected by MS causing a wide variety of symptoms which can change the way we see, move, think or feel. No two people will have the same set of symptoms and each person’s symptoms can change over time.

Common Multiple Sclerosis symptoms are:

Muscle stiffness and muscle spasms
Weakness in the arms and legs
Problems with balance which can result in falling
Reduced co-ordination causing difficulty with walking
Extreme tiredness known as fatigue
Numbness or a sense of tingling in different parts of the body
Eyesight issues such as blurred vision as MS can affect the optic nerve
Problems controlling the bladder and bowels
A tremor that can be mild or severe but can impact everyday tasks such as drinking or eating
Dizziness or vertigo
Pain that can vary from pins and needles to a feeling of tightness in the chest
Mental health problems such as mood changes, anxiety, depression and stress

How Burscough Neuro Physiotherapy helps patients with Multiple Sclerosis

There is no cure for MS but research shows that neurological physiotherapy can be hugely beneficial for people with all types of Multiple Sclerosis, no matter what stage it may be.

During your first appointment, we will carry out a comprehensive initial assessment looking at all aspects of your MS and how it affects your daily life. Once we fully understand your main goals and concerns, so we can work with you to improve functions which are important for daily living.

Our treatments for Multiple Sclerosis aim to:

Maintain and improve your strength
Improve balance allowing for greater confidence with walking and standing
Help control muscle spams and reduce stiffness
Advice and support on adaptions and equipment to help you stay independent at home
Create a rehabilitation programme which empowers you to stay as active as possible for as long as possible

If you or a loved one has Parkinson’s Disease and want to explore how neuro physiotherapy can help, then please contact us. Our friendly reception team are just a phone call away.

We are able to provide treatments at our fully equipped rehabilitation centre in Ormskirk with accessible parking and toilet facilities. We also provide neuro physiotherapy home visits. We cover a wide area for neuro physiotherapy across the north west of England including Liverpool, Southport, St Helens, Ormskirk and surrounding areas.

Burscough Neuro Physiotherapy is committed to making specialist neuro physiotherapy affordable for all. Please see our prices page for further information.

Check out the Multiple Sclerosis Society website to find out more about MS and how you can get involved with your local MS society branch. Your local MS society branch may be able to help towards the cost of your treatment.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS)