Posted on 6th Jul 2022 at 2:28pm
Amie, from our Knowle clinic, goes into more depth relating to one example of a neurological condition – Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
- Inflammatory, degenerative neurological disease characterised by damage to the myelin sheath which protects the nerve fibres of the central nervous system.
- Typically involves a series of relapses but can be steady progression of disability.
- Symptoms can include fatigue, depression, cognitive problems and loss of sight. Problems with mobility, balance and spasticity are common. Physiotherapy can help to maintain independence, movement, flexibility and strength.
- The greatest potential for CNS adaptation and recovery occurs in the early stages of the disease. Physiotherapy input and advice early after diagnosis can reduce disability, maximise potential for independence, improve employment sustainability and reduce the impact that the disease has on health and quality of life factors (CSP, 2011).
- Exercise as part of rehabilitation can increase activity and improve health and wellbeing. Results from RCT of exercise programmes in MS have shown benefits in muscle strength, CV fitness and activity levels as well as functional improvements in walking ability.
- Key role in managing specific symptoms such as pain and spasticity and in the prevention of secondary complications such as contractures.
- Exercises to alleviate stiffness and muscle spasms; address bladder problems; improve posture to help with breathing and movement patterns and strengthen the core stabilising muscles.
- Electrical muscle stimulation (Neurocare) to relax muscles in a state of spasm and re-educate muscles.
