Nearly 400,000 people in the United States have multiple sclerosis. The number climbs to 2.5 million when talking about individuals worldwide. While the medical community has gained significant knowledge about the disease, there is no cure to date. The good news is that physical therapy for MS offers a comprehensive option for treatment that helps reduce symptoms and enhance overall well-being.
In this blog post, we’ll follow a patient’s journey with MS and the treatment options that helped her along the way.
Ms. Jackson’s Experience with Physical Therapy for MS
Before we dive into Ms. Jackson’s story, let’s discover the causes, risk factors, and symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). MS is a chronic illness that affects the central nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. It causes the immune system to mistakenly attack myelin (the protective shield that covers nerve fibers) resulting in a communication breakdown between the brain and the rest of the body. The disease can cause the nerves to deteriorate or become permanently damaged.
The cause of MS is still unknown, but it’s thought to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Risk factors include:
- Age: The majority of diagnoses occur between the ages of 20 and 40 years old.
- Gender: Women are more likely to develop MS than men.
- Genetics: MS is not inherited, but if a close relative has MS, you may be at a higher risk of developing it.
- Certain Infections: Many viruses and bacteria may play a role in triggering MS symptoms and disease activity.
- Race: An overall prevalence of 1 in 1000 is cited for populations of European ancestry.
Symptoms of MS can vary widely and depend on the amount of nerve damage and which nerves are affected. Some people with severe MS may lose the ability to walk independently, while others may experience long periods of remission without any symptoms. Common symptoms include:
- Fatigue
- Limited mobility
- Numbness
- Weakness
- Tremors
- Lack of coordination
- Vision problems
Ms. Jackson was in her early 30s when she first started experiencing symptoms of MS. They included numbness in her legs, fatigue, and difficulty walking. These symptoms significantly affected her daily life by making simple tasks incredibly challenging. Ms. Jackson was determined to improve her quality of life and came to our clinic as part of her comprehensive treatment plan.
After a detailed medical evaluation, we designed a personalized physical therapy program using techniques tailored to her specific symptoms and treatment goals.
- Exercises to reduce muscle stiffness.
- Strength training to build muscle for increased support and improved mobility.
- Balance and coordination training to help Ms. Jackson manage her tremors and instability while walking.
- Fatigue management strategies to help her conserve energy throughout the day.
The impact of Ms. Jackson’s physical therapy for MS was profound. Over several months, she noticed significant improvements in her mobility and a reduction in her fatigue levels. The strength training helped her regain some of the muscle mass she had lost. The balance exercises improved her confidence when moving around and helped reduce her fear of falling.
A Supportive Team at Unified Rehabilitation
At our clinic, we see the power of physical therapy to make a real difference in the lives of our patients. Our approach is personalized and focused on the unique needs of each patient. If you or a loved one is struggling with the effects of MS, reach out to us today.