Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a central nervous system disease with symptoms that vary widely from person to person. The central nervous system includes the brain and spinal cord. In this disease, multiple scars, or plaques, are produced in areas of the central nervous system (CNS) and destroy, or reduce, the ability of the nerves to function. The symptoms that subsequently occur, when nerve function is destroyed or reduced, vary in type, severity, predictability and frequency of occurrence. These symptoms may include weakness, numbness, visual disturbances, dizziness, spasticity, incontinence or fatigue. While there is no cure for MS, there are many strategies to aide in managing the symptoms and assist the patient in minimizing its impact on their daily life.
Minneapolis Clinic of Neurology Multiple Sclerosis Rehabilitation
As part of the strategies to manage this complex disease, physical and occupational therapy is typically a significant piece to helping people with MS maximize their function and independence at home, work and in their community. A comprehensive rehabilitation evaluation is performed and a treatment plan is set at the first appointment, in conjunction with the neurologist’s assessment and plan of care.
MS Physical Therapy
Assessment and treatment of gait (walking), balance, posture, general mobility, range of motion and strength. Treatment typically addresses strength and coordination, gait and mobility needs, fall prevention, balance, pain management, spasticity management and fatigue management. The physical therapist also provides equipment, environmental adaptations, and self-management recommendations.
Patients that are experiencing pelvic, bowel or bladder symptoms associated with multiple sclerosis are referred for treatment to our Pelvic Floor Dysfunction rehabilitation program.
Highly trained and experienced PT and OT Multiple Sclerosis Certified Specialists practice at our Edina, Golden Valley and Maple Grove offices.
MS Occupational Therapy
Assessment and treatment of performance with activities of daily living (ADL), upper extremity strength, range of motion, coordination, sensation, and cognition. Treatment programs often include education on use of compensatory techniques, such as use of adaptive equipment, to increase safety and independence with ADLs. Treatment programs also include strengthening and range of motion, coordination activities, spasticity management, fatigue management, vision compensation strategies, and cognitive retraining activities.
Minneapolis Clinic of Neurology physical and occupational therapists work closely with our neurologists before and after patients receive Botox injections to assist in managing spasticity. Home programs are established to allow a person to continue performing exercises independently, or with the assistance of caregivers, for maintaining or further improving function and independence.
For further information about Multiple Sclerosis, see our Neurology Library article about Laboratory Evaluation and video about New Developments in Care.