How Physical Therapy Treats Multiple Sclerosis

Those who are diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) may feel blindsided by the prospect of dealing with this progressive disease where the body’s immune system attacks the central nervous system (CNS). As this happens, myelin in the body is damaged. Myelin is a fatty substance that surrounds our nerves and allows the brain to send electrical messages to our muscles to allow them to engage. 

As MS progresses, scar tissue forms as myelin is damaged, thus disrupting signals to the muscles in the body and in turn, causing many concerning and disrupting symptoms. Some of these include less efficiency in movement, weakness, numbness, pain, temperature sensitivity, and even vision changes. While MS will undoubtedly progress, it can be aggravated by outside factors such as being in an automobile or motorcycle accident. 

If you have MS and have been an accident victim in the greater Lutz area, it is important that you obtain treatment via a medical team that can understand your specialized needs and treat you in a holistic and minimally invasive manner. This is where Impact Medical comes in. When you come to see us for an evaluation, you won’t just see a physician, but be availed to our whole team of medical professionals, including physical therapists. 

Physical therapy is a proven and effective treatment modality for those with MS and can be a powerful tool to help ease symptoms from this disorder in general as well as post-accident. As with any specialized case, it is important to work with a physical therapist who understands the complexity of a patient with multiple sclerosis and can develop a treatment plan with that in mind. 

A PT regimen for an MS patient should focus on strengthening weak areas and improving flexibility along with working on balance and coordination. Additionally, your physical therapist may work with you on postural education, respiratory function exercises, and how to safely move and position your body. When needed, our Impact Medical PTs can also provide assistive equipment such as braces, wheelchairs, or standing frames. All of these considerations can go a long way to restoring proper body function.

Here at your Lutz area Impact Medical location, we make it our mission to provide unparalleled holistic treatment for our patients after an accident. Our care team can work with those with special needs like multiple sclerosis or other extenuating health concerns. Don’t suffer in pain any longer. If you have been involved in an accident, call us today for a consultation and discover how the right treatment plan can have you back to enjoying a full and healthy life in no time.