Why neurological physiotherapy is crucial after a diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis

Being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) can be an overwhelming and uncertain experience. It will naturally raise questions about how the condition will progress and how it may affect your daily life. There can be lots of information about medical treatment and drugs available, but it is also important to consider other modalities that will help maintain your independence, mobility, strength, balance, and overall quality of life. One of the most valuable tools in managing MS from the very beginning of your journey is neurological physiotherapy.

What is Multiple Sclerosis?

MS is a neurological condition that affects the central nervous system. It occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the protective covering of nerve fibres (myelin), leading to disrupted communication between the brain, body and muscles.

Symptoms can vary widely but commonly include:

• Fatigue
• Muscle weakness
• Balance and coordination issues
• Numbness or tingling
• Spasticity (muscle stiffness)
• Vision problems

The course of MS progression is unpredictable, so early management is key. Neurological Physiotherapy in the early stages of your MS journey can help you address both current symptoms and identify potential future challenges.

Early intervention can lead to better long-term outcomes

Starting neurological physiotherapy soon after diagnosis helps build a solid foundation for physical function. Even if you’re not experiencing significant symptoms, a neurological physiotherapist can assess your current abilities and help you strengthen body parts that may become affected later.

Neurological physiotherapy can then be used throughout your journey if and when required. Your therapist can be used as a sounding board, provide professional advice when you need it, and can assess you quickly if you feel that symptoms are worsening.

Personalised exercise plans

There’s no one-size-fits-all with treatment and management of MS. A neurological physiotherapist will create a bespoke exercise programme based on your symptoms and goals. Exercise plans are often focussed around:

• Stretching to reduce stiffness
• Strength training to support weakened muscles
• Balance and coordination exercises
• Fatigue management strategies
• Cardiovascular fitness

Managing fatigue

Fatigue is a common symptom of MS. It’s not just about being tired; MS fatigue is more encompassing and harder to recover from. Physiotherapists teach energy-saving techniques, pacing strategies, and light movement routines that can reduce fatigue over time.

Preventing secondary complications

Like all of us, without regular movement, we can become less efficient in our bodies. However, people with MS may be at higher risk of:

• Joint stiffness and pain
• Muscle tightness
• Reduced balance leading to falls
• Poor posture and associated issues with this
• Deconditioning (loss of physical fitness)

Physiotherapy helps prevent these complications by keeping the body moving in safe and effective ways.

Building Confidence and Control

A new MS diagnosis can make people question what they should be doing and when, and is it safe to do certain exercises? Neurological physiotherapy can help to rebuild trust in your body and its abilities. Over time, this can reduce fear of movement, improve well-being, and help people feel more in control of their health.

In Summary

If you or a loved one has been newly diagnosed with MS, please don’t consider neurological physiotherapy to only be relevant once things have deteriorated, but as an essential component of your tool kit from day one. It’s about more than just exercise — it’s about empowerment, confidence, prevention, and improving your quality of life.

Final Thoughts

MS may bring physical and psychological challenges, but you don’t have to face them alone. At Neurological Physiotherapy we will offer you the practical tools, personalised support, and a proactive path forward so you can stay as strong, mobile, and independent as long as possible. We are a team of passionate and highly specialist neurological physiotherapists who can support you throughout your MS journey.

Neurological Physiotherapy can offer one to one sessions, hydrotherapy groups, exercise classes, workshops for managing fatigue, sleep (to name just a few), personal training sessions in an adapted clinic gym, and give person-centred care for you or your loved one. If you would like any information about this please contact us.