How Can Exercise Physiology Help Someone With Multiple Sclerosis?

Longevity Exercise Physiology Drummoyne, Edgecliff, Marrickville, Bella Vista, Randwick, Pymble, and Balmain see many people living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and know first-hand the positive benefits of exercise for those with all types of MS.

 In MS the immune system attacks myelin and results in messages not passing along the nerves as efficiently or not getting sent at all. Exercise reduces the impact of common MS symptoms such as fatigue, pain, spasticity and weakness.

Muscles that are not used regularly become weak and fatigue quickly, which in turn makes everyday tasks feel harder. Increasing muscle mass, strength and aerobic fitness helps break this fatigue cycle by making everyday tasks feel easier and improves energy levels.

Exercise is also essential for maintaining a healthy weight, independence, and managing depression and anxiety associated with living with a chronic disease.

‘Increasing muscle mass, strength and aerobic fitness helps break this fatigue cycle by making everyday tasks feel easier and improves energy levels’

How does an EP help?

An Accredited Exercise Physiologists role is to prescribe exercise that targets your weaknesses while not exacerbating your symptoms. They can help you set realistic goals for your functional status and symptom patterns. For example, we understand the time of day you undertake exercise is key for building consistency and exercising during the cool periods of the day and carrying a water bottle with you can aid in keeping your body temperature at a constant level. We also understand the balance and walking difficulties associated with MS and we are experts in prescribing exercises to prevent falls and improve walking capacity.

Your exercise routine will likely include a combination of strength, cardiovascular, balance and mobility training to manage MS symptoms, protect against co-morbidities and improve overall wellbeing.

Aerobic activity could include walking, running, cycling for example and resistance training consists of exercises that cause muscles to contract against an external resistance. This can be anything from lifting your own body weight, free weights, machine weights, etc.

Mobility training is also very important for those with MS because this decreases muscle tightness and prevents loss of range of motion which may occur with decreased activity, weakness, or spasticity.

Remember MS affects everyone differently. Our Exercise Physiologists are experts in prescribing exercise that addresses your individual challenges and goals. Get in contact on 1300 964 002 for a free 15 mins consultation.

Written by Courtney Maher