Multiple Sclerosis

ThreeSpires Physiotherapy offers neurological physiotherapy for patients with Multiple Sclerosis. We are based in Lichfield and serve surrounding areas such as Sutton Coldfield, Tamworth, Rugeley, Walsall and Cannock. This page gives a brief overview of Multiple Sclerosis and how neurological physiotherapy can be helpful.

Multiple Sclerosis, commonly shortened to MS, is a progressive neurological condition that affects a large number of people across the UK. There are a large number of symptoms associated with MS and also there are several different types which makes describing usual symptoms very difficult but some common symptoms are difficulties with vision, muscle movements, loss of balance, loss of co-ordination, reductions in strength and reductions in mobility. Patients with MS will often experience periods where they improve and their MS symptoms remit significantly and then at other times their MS will worsen significantly and they will relapse.

In patients with MS the insulating substance around nerves in the brain and spinal cord - myelin is progressively destroyed, this affects nerve signal transmission and causes a wide range of problems for patients.The exact cause and underlying pathophysiology of MS remains unclear with many hypotheses being currently researched, certainly there are some geographic patterns (such as you are more likely to have MS the further from the equator you live) and it is thought that it is likely to be a combination of hereditary and environmental factors.

Neurological physiotherapy can be extremely helpful for all patients with MS as it can help with symptoms such as loss of balance, strength and mobility. For these patients regular and intensive physiotherapy at home can help greatly in terms of improving function and quality of life and our physiotherapists can assist in moving affected limbs, help with mobilising and create specialised exercise programs.

Depending upon the symptoms and how the patient is affected by the MS, neurological physiotherapy will usually be very hands on, with the physiotherapist trying to assist joint movement, facilitate normal movement, aid with balance and help with mobilising. Sessions tend to be very tiring but very rewarding for both patient and physiotherapist.

Our home visit physiotherapy service provides an ideal way of accessing regular and high quality neurological physiotherapy if you have MS. Our physiotherapists will come out to you at home and conduct a thorough and comprehensive initial assessment which is used to formulate a treatment plan that will be discussed with you and will be matched to the goals that you want to set. Treatment sessions will usually involve facilitation of movement, mobilising practice, balance and core stability practice followed by additions or changes to your individualised exercise plan.

Due to the complex nature of Multiple Sclerosis, the lengthy assessment process and the need for ongoing re-assessment as each patient changes; all treatment sessions are 1 hour  including follow ups. It is our experience that this extended period of time allows for a much greater benefit and response to therapy and is especially beneficial for patients who may fatigue quickly and may need longer rest periods in sessions

If you or someone you know has Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and you would like to find out more about how neurological physiotherapy might be able to help then please get in touch. We are a home visit physiotherapy service based in Lichfield, Staffordshire and we serve anywhere within a 25 minute drive. This includes locations such as Tamworth, Sutton Coldfield, Burton, Walsall, Rugeley, Cannock, Burntwood and Brownhills. We can be contacted on 0788 428 1623 or via email at enquiries@threespiresphysiotherapy.co.uk