Neurological Physiotherapy
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Multiple Sclerosis Physiotherapy Treatment Adelaide
Living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) can present many physical and emotional challenges, but staying active and participating in the right rehabilitation can make a significant difference to your long-term health and quality of life.
At Advanced Neuro Rehab, our experienced Neurological Physiotherapists provide evidence-based physiotherapy and exercise programs designed to help people living with MS improve mobility, manage fatigue, maintain independence and continue doing the activities they enjoy.
Whether you’ve recently been diagnosed or have been living with MS for many years, we tailor rehabilitation to your individual goals and stage of the condition.
What is Multiple Sclerosis?
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological condition that affects the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves, collectively known as the central nervous system.
In MS, the immune system mistakenly attacks the protective coating surrounding nerve fibres (called myelin). This disrupts the messages travelling between the brain and the rest of the body, leading to a wide variety of symptoms.
Every person’s experience of MS is different. Symptoms may fluctuate from day to day and often change over time.
Types of Multiple Sclerosis
Relapsing-Remitting MS (RRMS)
This is the most common form of MS.
People experience episodes (relapses) where symptoms worsen or new symptoms develop, followed by periods of recovery (remission). Recovery may be complete or partial.
Secondary Progressive MS (SPMS)
Many people with Relapsing-Remitting MS gradually transition to Secondary Progressive MS.
Symptoms become more steadily progressive over time, although the rate of progression varies considerably between individuals.
Primary Progressive MS (PPMS)
In Primary Progressive MS, symptoms gradually worsen from the beginning without distinct relapses or remissions.
Common Symptoms of MS
MS affects everyone differently.
Common symptoms include:
- Fatigue
- Difficulty walking
- Reduced balance
- Muscle weakness
- Muscle stiffness or spasticity
- Foot drop
- Changes in sensation such as numbness or tingling
- Vision problems
- Reduced coordination
- Tremor
- Dizziness
- Pain
- Bladder or bowel changes
- Cognitive changes such as reduced concentration or memory
- Reduced exercise tolerance
Many people experience a combination of physical and cognitive symptoms that change over time.
How Can Physiotherapy Help?
Physiotherapy is an important part of managing Multiple Sclerosis at every stage of the condition.
Following a comprehensive assessment, our Neurological Physiotherapists develop an individualised rehabilitation program based on your symptoms, goals and lifestyle.
Treatment may include:
- Walking and gait retraining
- Balance rehabilitation
- Strength training
- Cardiovascular exercise
- Fatigue management strategies
- Spasticity management
- Stretching and flexibility exercises
- Falls prevention
- Mobility and transfer training
- Equipment prescription where appropriate
- Individualised home exercise programs
Our goal is to help you maintain function, remain independent and continue participating in the activities that are important to you.
Exercise and Multiple Sclerosis
Research now clearly shows that exercise is both safe and beneficial for people living with MS.
Regular exercise can help improve:
- Strength
- Walking ability
- Balance
- Cardiovascular fitness
- Fatigue management
- Mood
- Confidence
- Overall quality of life
Your physiotherapist will design an exercise program that matches your symptoms, energy levels and personal goals while considering factors such as heat sensitivity and fatigue.
For people who enjoy exercising with others, we also offer MS FightBack small group exercise classes. These classes are led by our Neurological Physiotherapists and focus on improving walking, balance, strength, cardiovascular fitness and functional mobility in a supportive and encouraging environment. Small group sizes allow us to provide individual guidance while helping participants stay motivated, build confidence and continue exercising safely alongside others living with Multiple Sclerosis.
Managing Fatigue
Fatigue is one of the most common and challenging symptoms of MS.
Unlike normal tiredness, MS-related fatigue can significantly affect work, exercise, concentration and everyday activities.
Our physiotherapists work with you to develop practical fatigue management strategies, including:
- Energy conservation
- Activity pacing
- Exercise prescription
- Prioritising daily activities
- Strategies to maintain physical activity without overexertion
Learning to manage fatigue effectively often allows people to stay active while reducing the impact fatigue has on daily life.
Comprehensive MS Rehabilitation
At Advanced Neuro Rehab, we understand that successful MS management involves much more than exercise alone.
Depending on your needs, we can assist with:
- Falls prevention
- Walking aid prescription
- Orthotic recommendations
- NDIS reports and funding applications
- Hydrotherapy
- Clinical rehabilitation classes
- Communication with your neurologist, GP and wider healthcare team
Our rehabilitation programs are designed to adapt as your needs change over time.
Why Choose Advanced Neuro Rehab?
Multiple Sclerosis rehabilitation has been a major focus of Advanced Neuro Rehab for many years.
Our Director, James McLoughlin, previously worked as Senior Physiotherapist with the MS Society SA & NT and has been involved in MS education, research and clinical practice since 1998.
Our team has collaborated with organisations including Flinders University, MS Research Australia and Neuroscience Research Australia on research investigating balance, mobility, fatigue and falls prevention in people living with MS.
This combination of clinical experience, education and research allows us to provide evidence-based rehabilitation tailored to each individual’s goals and lifestyle.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can physiotherapy help Multiple Sclerosis?
Yes. Physiotherapy can improve walking, balance, strength, mobility, fatigue management and confidence while helping maintain independence throughout the course of MS.
Should I exercise if I have MS?
Yes. Research shows that appropriately prescribed exercise is safe and beneficial for most people living with MS. Your physiotherapist will tailor your program to your individual symptoms and energy levels.
Can physiotherapy help fatigue?
Yes. While fatigue cannot always be eliminated, physiotherapy can teach strategies to better manage energy levels while improving physical fitness and endurance.
Can physiotherapy improve walking?
Yes. Walking rehabilitation is one of the key areas of neurological physiotherapy. Treatment may include gait retraining, strengthening, balance exercises, orthotic recommendations and mobility training.
Do you provide NDIS reports and equipment recommendations?
Yes. We regularly assist people living with MS by providing functional assessments, NDIS reports, equipment recommendations and communication with your healthcare team.
Can I still benefit from physiotherapy if I’ve had MS for many years?
Absolutely. Physiotherapy is valuable at every stage of MS and rehabilitation programs can be adjusted as your needs and goals change over time.
