Client Success Story: World MS day

Today, Longevity Exercise Physiology Drummoyne, Edgecliff, Marrickville, Bella Vista, Randwick, Pymble, Balmain, Neutral Bay and Coburg, Melbourne, put the spotlight on one of our clients at Pymble who has achieved amazing results throughout their exercise program!

 

May 30^th is World MS Day. This day brings together the global MS community to share stories of successes, raise awareness about the condition, and campaign with everyone who has been affected by multiple sclerosis. For World MS day, we wanted to shine a light on the MS clients at Longevity. We will dive into the progress that has come from working with our Exercise Physiologists, why it is so important for them to be seeing an Exercise Physiologist and their experience working with the Longevity team.

There are currently 2.8 million people living with MS worldwide, making it the most common acquired disease of the central nervous system. Multiple sclerosis is mostly diagnosed in people between the ages of 20 and 40 years old. A staggering three quarters of all people with MS are women. The prevalence of multiple sclerosis in 2017 is 103.7 people per 100 000, compared with 95.5 per 100, 000 people in 2010. This increase reflects global trends, and, in addition, most likely reflects the increased survival of people with MS, which is a great sign.

 

Client success story – Anna*

WHAT WERE Anna’s* GOALS?

Anna was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2000 and referred to Longevity in 2021 to manage her multiple sclerosis symptoms including reduced leg strength, decreased balance, and mental health. As well as improving and/or managing these symptoms, Anna wanted to improve her overall mobility to better access the broader community.

Why is it important for Anna and others with multiple sclerosis to exercise?

Since there is currently no cure for MS, treatment typically focuses on promoting recovery from attacks, slowing the progression of the disease and managing MS symptoms. Some people have such mild symptoms that no treatment is necessary. The current treatments for MS include various medications and therapies such as exercise physiology, physiotherapy, speech pathology and occupational therapy.

 

“Increasing muscle mass, strength and aerobic fitness helps break this fatigue cycle by making everyday tasks feel easier and improving energy levels.”

ANNA’S PROGRESS

	Jan 2021	May 2022
30 sec sit to stand	7.5 reps	11 reps
Tandem balance	Unable to perform	R = 9s L = 22s
Incline push ups	14 reps	14 reps

HOW CAN LONGEVITY HELP MS CLIENTS?

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 safe & constant level. We also understand the balance and walking difficulties associated with MS and we are experts in prescribing exercises to help prevent falls and improve walking capacity.

Remember MS affects everyone differently and our Exercise Physiologists at Longevity are experts in prescribing exercise that addresses your individual challenges and goals.

*Name changed for privacy

 

If you want help with managing your MS or know of someone who would benefit from our help, call Longevity Exercise Physiology on 1300 964 002 for a free 15 mins consultation!

 

Written by Annabel Bergman