Linda, our physiotherapist has worked with neurological conditions for 30 years and has a wealth of experience.
“Physiotherapy is not a cure for MS, and it cannot change the disease process. But be assured it can make a big difference in coping with and adapting to various disabilities that may arise.
Physiotherapy can help improve and maintain balance, help with coordination, and help you to learn how to keep muscles and joints working to the best of their ability. This in turn can help improve strength, aid walking, and help limb control.
Physiotherapy can help to provide physical and mental relief.
People are treated throughout all stages of diagnosis, for as long as they wish. Advice about exercising and teaching some basic stretches can be beneficial for people with little or no symptoms. If the MS progresses, treatment, and exercise will then become more specific. The aim is to maintain a person’s limb control, minimise spasticity and help combat further secondary complications.
Often people come for physiotherapy when they have already developed a disability. Their walking may have become difficult and abnormal. Sometimes people have just developed bad habits. With instruction and exercise, there is often room for improvement and, sometimes, complete resolution.
Some members are unable to move and regular physiotherapy brings them relief and a feeling of well-being. Movement can relieve pain and can help with their mood.”
Linda Strachan MCSP HP
A lady came for physiotherapy because her walking was terrible. She walked – badly – with crutches. One knee remained very bent and she walked on the toes of that foot. This was a bad habit and had basically caused an orthopaedic problem. With exercises to practise daily at home and weekly visits to physiotherapist, she managed to totally straighten her knee and walk putting her whole foot on the ground. About six weeks later she decided she needed no more physiotherapy. She still walked with crutches, but learned how to live with her condition and not let it run her.
A lady came to the centre after having been discharged from hospital after a relapse. She was in a wheelchair and had been told she would never walk again. As a physiotherapist, I think it is important never to destroy peoples’ hope – this lady wanted to walk again. We started with strengthening her legs and achieving standing balance, then working on sitting to standing, then walking with a frame, then with two sticks. Four years, she could come to her sessions by taxi, walking at both ends with two sticks.
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