Multiple Sclerosis – Physiotherapy and Exercise
Multiple sclerosis is a long-term condition of the central nervous system that can affect strength, balance, sensation and energy. Individual physiotherapy and suitable exercise are an important part of care and help many people keep their function.
What multiple sclerosis is
In multiple sclerosis the immune system mistakenly damages the protective covering of nerve fibres in the brain and spinal cord. This disrupts the signals travelling between the brain and the body. Diagnosis and specific treatment are decided by a neurologist.
The signs vary widely – weakness, numbness, impaired balance and walking, visual disturbances, stiffness and marked fatigue are all possible. In some people symptoms come in relapses with periods of improvement, while in others they build up gradually.
The condition is long-term and follows a different course in every person. Regular physical activity adjusted to fatigue helps many people with strength, balance and walking. Physiotherapy complements neurological care and does not replace it.
Why physiotherapy matters
- to maintain strength and mobility
- to train walking and balance
- to prevent falls
- to ease muscle stiffness and tightness
- to match activity to fatigue levels
- to teach family members how to support safely
How it shows up
- weakness in the arms or legs
- numbness and altered sensation
- impaired balance and unsteady walking
- marked fatigue
- muscle stiffness and tightness
- visual disturbances and poor coordination
How we can help
We start with a thorough assessment of strength, balance, walking and fatigue levels. We work with individual therapeutic exercise for strength, balance and functional movement, adjusting the load to your energy, plus manual therapy and massage for stiffness. We also offer home rehabilitation with individual 60-minute sessions, involving your family. Physiotherapy is an addition to your neurologist’s care; we will refer you to a specialist when needed.
When to see a doctor
Contact your neurologist for new or rapidly worsening symptoms – sudden weakness, loss of vision, new numbness or poor coordination – as you may need assessment for a relapse. Seek urgent help for difficulty speaking, sudden facial drooping, a fall with a blow to the head, a fever with worsening condition or breathing problems.
This page is for information only and does not replace an assessment by a specialist.