If asked what types of conditions physical therapy is primarily used to treat, most people would likely assume it to be injuries such as ankle sprains, rotator cuff tendinitis and osteoarthritis. While these and other injuries are in fact some of the most commonly seen conditions, they are just a small sample of the wide range of issues physical therapy is capable of treating. One condition you may be surprised to hear falls into this category is multiple sclerosis, which out Laurel physical therapists can effectively treat with a number of helpful interventions.

Multiple sclerosis, or MS, is a chronic (long-lasting) and usually progressive disease that primarily affects young adults. It involves the loss of myelin, which is a material that covers and protects nerves throughout the body’s central nervous system. This protection from myelin is necessary for the nerves to communicate with each other and transmit messages, and without it, affected parts of the body are unable to function normally.

The symptoms of MS vary widely from person to person and depend heavily on which parts of the nervous system have been affected by it. The most common symptom of MS difficulty with walking and other body movements, as approximately 91% of patients experience these issues. Some of the many other symptoms include the following: fatigue that doesn’t go away with rest, stiffness, spasms and/or feelings of heaviness in the arms and legs, memory and thinking problems, pain and other unpleasant sensations, speech issues, emotional problems like depression, dizziness and vertigo.

Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for MS, but the disease can be successfully controlled with medical management and rehabilitation that includes physical therapy. When someone receives an MS diagnosis, their best option is to begin physical therapy right away to help them overcome daily challenges and possibly slow the progression of symptoms. Our Laurel physical therapists can effectively help MS patients with their movement issues, and treatment typically includes the following:

A typical treatment program from our Laurel physical therapists for MS

• Before treatment begins, the physical therapist will perform a complete examination to determine your areas of strength and weakness
• Aerobic training using a treadmill, stationary bike or rowing machine is often recommended to help you stay mobile and continue performing your daily activities normally
• In addition to aerobics, your physical therapist will often prescribe general strengthening exercises for the arms and legs, balance training, stretching exercises and relaxation techniques
• Aquatic exercise has also been found to be particularly effective for MS patients and is commonly used if it is accessible

An MS diagnosis may sound extremely daunting for anyone, but if detected early, it can be managed successfully in most patients. If you’ve been recently diagnosed with MS or are experiencing any other movement-related issues, our Laurel physical therapists can help. Contact CAM Physical Therapy and Wellness Services at 301-853-0093 to schedule an appointment at any of our three clinics in Laurel, Hyattsville or Glenn Dale/Bowie, MD today, or click here for more information on physical therapy and MS.