Exercises for Multiple Sclerosis

Exercises for Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a debilitating condition that attacks and affects the neurological system in more ways than one. The condition is characterised by the demyelination or scarring of the central nervous system’s myelin sheaths, interfering with neural impulses within the brain, spinal cord, and optical nerves. There are almost 26,000 people in Australia living with MS. Every 5 minutes, someone in the world between the ages of 20 and 40, is diagnosed with MS.

There are two main types of MS – Relapsing Remitting (RRMS) and Primary Progressive (PPMS), where RRMS is the most commonly diagnosed. However, many of those diagnosed with RRMS will eventually progress to Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (SPMS). Regardless of the type of diagnosis, common symptoms can include:

• Temperature sensitivity
• Slurred or slowed speech
• Increased levels of fatigue
• Difficulty with balance, walking, and coordination
• Altered peripheral sensation
• Changes in memory, concentration, and comprehension
• Muscle weakness or loss of strength

Suffering from MS can result in loss of wages and place a significant burden to the person’s personal finances. Thankfully, there has been a plethora of evidence to support the benefits of physical exercises for Multiple Sclerosis, which include:

• Improved muscle strength
• Improved balance
• Increased dual-tasking ability
• Relief from MS-related fatigue
• Manage spasticity
• Maintenance of function and independence at home.

Although exercise will not reverse the diagnosis and ‘cure’  MS, it has proven to help maintain function, and slow down the progressive decline of MS.

Our exercise physiology team is highly experienced in the management of neurological conditions through exercise, and runs two group exercise classes per week, entitled Mission MS, at our Varsity Lakes clinic.  Whilst these are group classes, each participant works to their own tailored program based on their own requirements and capabilities, but the social aspect of the group class is loved by all. Learn more about group classes here.

Access our Free Exercise Program for Multiple Sclerosis

If you are not yet ready for a group class, then you’ve still come to the right place, as our team has developed a home exercise program for Multiple Sclerosis, that you can perform in the privacy of your own home, and is available to download below. If you need help at any time, or wish to know more about our group classes or exercises for Multiple Sclerosis, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Sign up to receive your free Multiple Sclerosis exercise program