After a multiple sclerosis diagnosis, patients should seek an assessment from rehabilitation professionals, especially in the beginning stages of the disease. This will help better pinpoint when the disease starts to impact motor functions and other areas of the brain and body as well as to create an individualized rehab plan for each patient.
Physical Therapy
Although there is no cure for MS, physical therapy may help lessen the severity of symptoms and/or modify the course of the disease. Physical therapy helps strengthen weak muscles as well as correct any issues with poor posture caused from sitting, standing and/or walking. Physical therapy also helps combat the pain associated with MS by incorporating helpful stretching techniques.
Water Exercise
Swimming, as well as other forms of water exercise, can treat symptoms of MS, such as depression. Water exercise also is gentler on your muscles, bones and joints than land workouts. Furthermore, the water helps keep your body cool, an important concern for those who suffer from worsening symptoms because of heat or increased internal body temperature. Other benefits of water exercise include better range of motion and improved cardiovascular health.
Aerobic Exercise
For those whose symptoms do not worsen because of heat, aerobic exercise may help lessen the severity of symptoms. Cardio workouts and other forms of exercise, such as running, lifting weights or playing sports also help build stronger muscles and further develop balance and coordination. Other benefits of staying healthy and fit include improved cognitive function, reduced deterioration of the brain and brain cell nerves and reduced amount of lesions on the central nervous system.
Meditation
Meditation practices can be part of MS therapy. Yoga, for example, relieves many symptoms including emotional stress, muscle fatigue, anxiety, nervousness and depression. Yoga also helps to stretch and loosen muscles, improve circulation, coordination and flexibility. It also teaches the patient how to relax as well as helps to relieve pain. The American Yoga Association recommends 15 minutes of various yoga poses and exercises, a few minutes of deep breathing techniques as well as 15 to 20 minutes of undisturbed meditation.
References
- MayoClinic.com; Multiple Sclerosis; Mayo Clinic Staff
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: Multiple Sclerosis: Hope Through Research
- National Multiple Sclerosis Society: You Can... Swim Like a Fish
- Science Daily: Exercise Helps Protect Brain of Multiple Sclerosis Patients, Study Finds; Feb. 20, 2010
- American Yoga Association: Using Yoga to Help with Multiple Sclerosis
- National Multiple Sclerosis Society: Rehabilitation
