Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a potentially disabling disease of the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system). In MS, the immune system attacks the protective sheath (myelin) that covers nerve fibers and causes communication problems between your brain and the rest of your body. Eventually, the disease can cause permanent damage or deterioration of the nerves.

Symptoms of MS

Signs and symptoms of MS vary widely and depend on the amount of nerve damage and which nerves are affected. 

Symptoms often affect movement, such as:

• Numbness or weakness in one or more limbs that typically occurs on one side of your body at a time, or your legs and trunk
• Electric-shock sensations that occur with certain neck movements, especially bending the neck forward (Lhermitte sign)
• Tremor, lack of coordination or unsteady gait
• Muscle stiffness or spasms
• paralysis, typically in the legs

Vision problems are also common, including:

• Partial or complete loss of vision, usually in one eye at a time, often with pain during eye movement
• Prolonged double vision
• Blurry vision

Multiple sclerosis symptoms may also include:

• Slurred speech
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Tingling or pain in parts of your body
• Problems with sexual, bowel and bladder function
• Epilepsy

Mental health Mental changes, such as :

• forgetfulness or mood swings
• Depression and or anxiety

There’s no cure for multiple sclerosis. However, treatments can help speed recovery from attacks, modify the course of the disease and manage symptoms.

Multiple Sclerosis Exercise Physiology

At Living Energy Pilates and Rehabilitation you will be assessed by an Exercise Physiologist who is an expert in chronic disease management and Multiple Sclerosis exercise treatment. Based on your assessment and taking into account your current symptoms we will determine an exercise routine that will maximise the benefits of your exercise program.

The specific goals of exercising for MS will vary from person to person based on your symptoms. Generally we aim to build and maintain your mobility and independence,  improve balance and reduce falls,  strengthen and improve fitness to improve your quality of life. Your Exercise Physiologist will design your MS exercise program to suit your individual needs.

The MS exercise program may include the following activities : weight bearing exercise, progressive resistance training, balance and falls prevention exercises, Pilates (core and stabilisation) exercises.

Benefits of Exercise for Mulitple Sclerosis

There is strong and consistent evidence of the many benefits of exercise for those with Multiple Sclerosis, including:

• improvements in muscular strength and cardiorespiratory fitness
• improved mobility, better balance, reduced fatigue & depression, and improved cognition

There is also moderate evidence indicating exercise has a positive effect on pain management.

What is even more positive is that there is a growing body of evidence supporting the effect of exercise on reduction of relapses in people with relapse-remitting MS, and a slowing of disability progression and possible disease-modifying effect.

All of which are really powerful benefits for performing exercise as a form of medicine for Multiple Sclerosis.

Session Types

Book an Appointment