Physical therapy can help with
- Balance problems
- Incoordination
- Fatigue
- Pain
- Weakness
- Posture
- Difficulty physically performing daily activities (such as walking or getting up from a sitting position)
The goal of physical therapy is to improve your independence and quality of life by improving movement and function, and relieving pain.
Why do I have symptoms with MS?
Multiple sclerosis (MS) damages the myelin sheath surrounding the nerve cells of the brain and spinal cord. Scarring from this damage can block or slow nerve impulses in areas of the brain (neurological damage). As a result, you may lack coordination, feel tired, have involuntary movements, resist movement (spasticity), and have pain. Symptoms such as these, which are a result of MS, are called "primary symptoms."
Primary symptoms can make you move less. As a result, you may feel tightness, pain and weakness, especially in the muscles and joints. These symptoms, which are not a result of MS, are called "secondary symptoms."
How can physical therapy improve my symptoms?
Primary symptoms
Physical therapy cannot cure primary symptoms because, at this time, neurological damage cannot be reversed. Physical therapy can be helpful by providing "compensatory" treatments. These treatments enable you to compensate for the changes brought about by MS. Compensatory treatments include learning new movement techniques, strategies, and equipment.
Secondary symptoms
Physical therapy can be very helpful at lessening and even stopping secondary symptoms of MS. A physical therapist can teach you exercises you can use to strengthen and stretch muscles. Many of these exercises can be performed at home.
How can I receive physical therapy?
If you feel you can benefit from physical therapy, you will need to ask your physician for a referral to physical therapy.
How many visits will I need?
The number of appointments depends on your specific situation. The first appointment includes an evaluation and recommendations for exercises. The following appointments check your progress and build a new program. The therapist will work with you until you reach a certain level of improved function. At that point, a home exercise program will be developed.
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This information is provided by the Cleveland Clinic and is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition. This document was last reviewed on: 10/6/2008...#4466
