Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease that affects the nerves in your body. The body’s central nervous system communicates through nerve signals that travel from the brain and spinal cord. These nerves are covered in a protective substance called the myelin sheath. Multiple sclerosis attacks the nerve covering (myelin), which then affects the communication between the brain and body. The nerve damage is caused by inflammation due to the body’s own immune cells attacking the nervous system.

 

How does it Happen?

The exact cause of MS is unknown. Some theories of causation of MS include environmental factors, genetic or family history and your body’s immune function

Symptoms

Symptoms in people with MS varies widely. Some of the most common signs of MS are muscle weakness, difficulty walking, rapid fatigue, muscle spasm, numbness, tingling, depression, balance, vision, bowel and bladder deficits.

Treatment

Aside from prescription medication from a neurologist, the best treatment for MS is physical therapy. Therapeutic exercise will help maintain range of motion, strength, balance and functional mobility. Physical therapy can also help decrease discomfort in muscles and joints. We will evaluate your strength, range of motion, balance and function. Your treatment will be focused on your functional limitations. One of the unique pieces of equipment we have that helps with balance and gait deficits affected by MS is the Alter-G anti-gravity treadmill. This treadmill allows us to “unweight” you to make you feel up to 80% lighter.

Senior man with osteoarthritis pain