Multiple sclerosis is a type of autoimmune disease in which the nerves of your body get affected. As a result, the brain and the affected parts of the body are not able to communicate properly, which makes it difficult for the affected body part to function.
As it is an unpredictable condition, the symptoms can tend to flare and tone down at different points in time. Sometimes, it could affect you in a very subtle way, while in other cases it could also lead to serious health issues such as a stroke or a spinal cord injury. Using physiotherapy as a treatment option can help you develop strength and stamina in the affected part, as well as help you learn to cope with the various changes in your body that the disease can cause.
5 Physiotherapy Exercises That Work For Multiple Sclerosis
1. Wall Squats
It will help to strengthen your muscles.
- Stand next to a wall and make sure that your back, shoulders and hips are flat against it.
- Slide down slowly by bending your knees. Make sure that your upper body does not bend or move, but remains in touch with the wall. Your thighs should also be at a parallel angle to each other.
- Hold the pose for a few seconds and slowly slide up to the starting position.
2. Modified Planks
It will help to strengthen the muscles in your abdomen and back.
- Lie down on your tummy on the floor and gently prop yourself up by taking the support of your elbows and knees.
- Make sure that your spine is erect and your body is erect from the head till the knees. Your tummy should not touch the floor.
- Hold the position for about 10 to 20 seconds and gently come back to the starting positon. Repeat again. In case you are uncomfortable, you can also use an exercise ball.
3. Wall Push Ups
It will help to build back strength in your arms, shoulder and upper back area.
- Stand about two feet from the wall and keep your feet together. Place your palms on the wall in such a way that your hands are straight, and not bent. Make sure your arms are aligned with your shoulders and are placed at a slightly wider spacing than your shoulders.
- Lean in to the wall in such a way that your elbows stick out, and your nose almost reaches the wall. Stay in this position for a few seconds till you feel a pull or stretch in your calves. Once you do, gently release the position and move back to your starting position.
- Repeat the same for a few times till you start to feel a little pain or stress in your calves.
4. Seated Back Stretch
It will help to maintain the flow of blood to your muscles and keep them strong and healthy.
- Sit on the edge of a chair and keep your back erect. Inhale and tighten your abdominal muscles as you lean forward. Make sure your shoulders are relaxed. Lean forward in such a way that your back stays straight.
- Pull your shoulder blades back and look straight.
- Start returning to the starting position as you breathe out. Repeat a few times.
5. Standing March
It will help to improve your balance and let you shift your weight properly.
- Stand with your stomach muscles tight and place your feet at the width of your hips. Place your hands on your waist.
- Raise your right foot by bending it at the knee. Hold for 3 to 4 seconds and bring down, then repeat with the next foot.
- Slowly, as you are more comfortable with balancing, increase your speed so that it looks as if you are marching while standing in place.
A trained physiotherapist can be with you right from the diagnosis stage to help you understand how you can control your condition in the best possible way. You may get in touch with our medical team today to book an appointment.
