According to the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, an estimated 100,000 people in the UK have been diagnosed with MS. An inflammatory, degenerative and neurological disease, MS affects women more than men at a ratio of 2.5:1. Symptoms may include fatigue, difficulty walking and problems with vision. However, MS is complex and symptoms vary from person to person. As part of a multi-disciplinary team, there is evidence to suggest that Physiotherapy can make a real difference to the management of symptoms.
The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy recommends that physiotherapists should be involved right after a patient’s diagnosis as, “The greatest potential for central nervous system adaptation and recovery occurs in the early stages of the disease”. Physiotherapy at this stage can improve mobility and, “maximise potential for independence, improve employment sustainability and reduce the impact that the disease has on health and quality of life factors”.
To find out more about how Physiotheraphy can enhance the quality of life for people with MS, you can download the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy’s Information Sheets here.