Multiple Sclerosis
What is Multiple Sclerosis?
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a degenerative disease of the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). There are 4 main types of MS, and each type might be mild, moderate, or severe. MS affects people differently. The 4 types are:
- Relapse-remitting MS (RRMS)
- Primary-progressive MS (PPMS)
- Secondary-progressive MS (SPMS)
- Progressive-relapsing MS
The progressive nature, unpredictability and variability of multiple sclerosis symptoms create a complex clinical challenge for rehabilitation professionals. The condition also causes emotional and social changes. Having specialized occupational and physical therapists is key to achieving both restorative and preventive goals.
Cause of Multiple Sclerosis
The exact cause of MS is still unknown. But some research suggests that it develops when the immune system attacks myelin. This process leads to damage around the nerves in your central nervous system.
Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms
- Pain
- Electric-shock sensations that occur with certain neck movements, aka Lhermitte sign
- Tremors
- Problems with vision
- Problems with balance/gait
- Dizziness
- Mood swings
- Slurred speech
- Bowel/bladder problems
- Numbness/weakness of the limbs
MS Management & Treatment
There is no current cure for MS. A combination of medications and therapies are used to manage multiple sclerosis to improve patients’ quality of life. Treating MS is normally focused on slowing the progression and managing the symptoms.
Physical, occupational, and speech therapy are beneficial for improving motor symptoms associated with MS. The rehabilitation also provides exercises and how to use assistive devices to improve your day-to-day life.
Dealing with the physical and emotional demands of MS is sometimes overwhelming. Finding a support group may be helpful. Don’t hesitate to call OneRehab to speak with one of our therapists about your condition. Whether you are a patient of OneRehab or not, we really do care and will do our best to help answer any questions you may have and steer you in the right direction.
One Neuro Parkinson's Program
OneRehab’s One Neuro MS Program uses innovative treatments and methods to improve the well-being of patients diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) and related conditions. Our program provides the tools necessary for participants to take control of their conditions. The highly-trained experts use specialized equipment to offer multiple program tracks for patients with MS and related diagnoses.
Why Choose OneRehab?
Intensive outpatient therapy: the One Neuro MS Program benefits patients that require intensive physical, occupational, speech therapy and wellness intervention. The program benefits patients with a gradual decline over time or a sudden decline in function from an exacerbation. Participants and their loved ones gain more independence and vital education moving forward.
Collaborative Care: our team of rehabilitation specialists consists of physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech-language pathologists who work together to provide top-quality care. Our specialists work closely with neurologists, psychiatrists and other experts from Methodist, Texas Health, Medical City, Baylor, UT Southwestern, and other healthcare centers in the area to coordinate treatment.
Multiple Sclerosis Physical Therapy
Neurologic Clinical Specialist Physical Therapists: A neurologic clinical specialist is a licensed physical therapist who has completed 2000+ hours working with individuals who have neurologic dysfunction in a clinical setting. They must complete what is known as the most difficult exam for physical therapists in the Neurologic Clinical Specialist Examination. This ensures that patients with neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis receive the best therapy from highly qualified clinicians.
Physical therapy for multiple sclerosis focuses on helping you return to perform roles at the home, community, and work. When you visit our center, we conduct a thorough physical exam to determine the issues you face. We evaluate:
- Weakness
- Pain
- Loss of sensation, balance, or coordination
- Activity limitations such as walking, getting into a vehicle, or dressing
- Ability to complete tasks
- Bladder issues
After the assessment, we specialize in the multiple sclerosis physical therapy protocol to treat these areas. When you start physical therapy early, you can control the symptoms from quickly progressing. Your physical therapist can use the following technique during physical therapy.
Multiple Sclerosis Exercises
When you have early MS exercises, they help in strengthening, improving balance, and stretching. Though a patient’s condition determines the exercise therapy for multiple sclerosis, they can use a treadmill, rowing machine, or a stationary bike for aerobics training.
The goal of physical therapy is to help improve functioning to keep performing all your daily chores. However, as the disease progresses, physical therapy is still important.
Additionally, you can engage in general strengthening exercises for the arms or legs. Other exercises such as balance training, relaxation techniques, and stretching activities are also highly recommended. They help improve the ability to walk, leg strength, and balance as you do your normal activities. At OneRehab, we have an unmatched team of therapists who help design treatment programs according to your needs.
Aquatic Therapy
Tai Chi & Yoga
When you go for physical therapy, the therapist can also introduce multiple sclerosis yoga therapy. Tai chi yoga is beneficial because of its a low-intensity movement-based exercise. You can do the exercises when standing or seated. When doing the exercises, you need to include deep breathing.
MS yoga therapy includes exercises that help improve flexibility and strength as well as meditation and relaxation techniques. At OneRehab, we tailor these exercises to suit your individual needs and your goals.
Multiple Sclerosis Occupational Therapy
Along with being the top therapist in treating patients with neurological disorders, OneRehab is proud to be home to 1 of 9 Registered Medical Yoga Therapists in Texas. Our occupational therapists help you gain back your independence through unique techniques to ease your ability to do daily tasks such as cooking, managing finances, dressing, and personal hygiene.
Occupational therapy helps you to change and simplify how you do everyday tasks. Ideally, the OT helps you avoid relying on other people, thereby maintaining your independence. Additionally, our occupational therapists give you relevant information on adjusting your home to cater to your needs.
Medical Therapeutic Yoga: One rigorous MS clinical trial found that yoga decreased fatigue. Other studies in MS have reported improvement in anxiety, depression, fatigue, bladder function, pain, spasticity, weakness, and walking. The effects of yoga on these conditions benefit patients with MS and improve their quality of life.
Speech Therapy
Cognitive Rehabilitation
MS can change how you think, remember, or concentrate. If you are experiencing such problems, the therapist can recommend multiple sclerosis cognitive therapy. You perform exercises that help your brain fight back the disease. At OneRehab, we will put you through exercises that help you sharpen your skills. Additionally, we give you organizational and time management strategies. For example, you can use reminder notes, make checklists, or use word association to trigger a memory.
More Resources
- https://www.nationalmssociety.org/Living-Well-With-MS/Diet-Exercise-Healthy-Behaviors/Exercise/Yoga
- https://www.nationalmssociety.org/NationalMSSociety/media/MSNationalFiles/Brochures/Clinical_Bulletin_Physical-Therapy-in-MS-Rehabilitation.pdf
- https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/physical_medicine_rehabilitation/services/programs/multiple-sclerosis-rehab.html
- https://stanfordhealthcare.org/medical-conditions/brain-and-nerves/multiple-sclerosis.html
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/multiple-sclerosis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20350274
