Multiple Sclerosis and Exercise – Kyrah Tos

What is Multiple Sclerosis?

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, inflammatory autoimmune disease which is characterised by the formation of areas of demyelination (plaques) throughout the brain and spinal cord. The plaques can impair nerve conduction and transmission leading to a variety of symptoms such as weakness, fatigue, balance problems, numbness and/or cognitive disability. The exact cause of MS is still unknown; however, researchers believe it may be influenced by a combination of environmental, infectious and genetic factors with usual onset occurring between the ages of 20 to 50 years old.

How can exercise help?

Exercise can be used to help manage some of the symptoms associated with MS and has been linked with a reduced rate of relapse. Research has indicated that persons with MS who engage in exercise have improved fatigue tolerance, walking capacity, sleep quality and overall quality of life. In addition, individuals with MS who partake in exercise also have reduced depression, pain, anxiety and risk factors associated with cardiovascular diseases (e.g. waist circumference, glucose levels, etc).

Exercise recommendations for people with Multiple Sclerosis

Current recommendations for people with MS are to partake in 30-60 minutes of aerobic exercise 2-5 days per week and resistance exercise 2 days per week focusing on large muscles groups. If you are beginning your exercise journey then start low and progress slow, you don’t want to overwhelm yourself at the start of your journey. Remember you can always break up your exercise time into “exercise snacks” (e.g. walking for 15 minutes morning and night = 30 minutes for the day), if that suits your lifestyle better. Over time you can slowly increase the time, reps, set and/or intensity of the exercises.

How Physio For You can help?

Our team at Physio For You is made up of physiotherapists and exercise physiologists. Their university training and experience allows them to create effective and targeted exercise programs for Multiple Sclerosis patients. The therapist takes into account your medical history, personal health, fitness goals, exercise ability and any other relevant information. This results in faster outcomes and effective management for the symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis as well as a healthier lifestyle.

Health Rebates

You may consult a physiotherapist or accredited exercise physiologist either directly or by referral from your medical practitioner. Most private health insurance funds offer rebates for physiotherapy/exercise physiology treatment. Physio For You offers on-the-spot HICAPS claiming.

Some patients are eligible for Medicare rebates for physiotherapy/exercise physiology from their GP, contact us for more information.

If you have any questions regarding Multiple Sclerosis please contact our clinic on (02) 4392 1547.