| Complementary Physical Activities For People With Multiple Sclerosis |
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Physical therapy is often recommended for people with multiple sclerosis.
It traditionally consists of evaluation of movement dysfunction, mobility training
and exercise. In addition, physical therapists will be involved in the evaluation
and prescription of wheelchairs and bracing. Physical therapists are an important
aspect of an interdisciplinary approach to managing someone with MS. Many people
with MS seek out activities or therapies often considered “alternative”.
Many patients feel the treatments are extremely beneficial and effective
in managing their MS. This article will discuss a few approaches.
The Pilates method has become a very popular form of physical activity.
The Pilates method consists of specific body movements in which the individual
is focused on the muscles being used. Pilates proponents claim increased
benefits with strength and flexibility. Individuals with MS have reported that
the Pilates method is helpful and allows them to participate in activity without
increasing fatigue or core body temperature. An individual should receive
training from a trained instructor before continuing on a home program.
Yoga is another popular form of activity. In fact there are yoga programs for
people with MS. Yoga combines movement, posture and breathing. Yoga can be
practiced at many different levels of intensity and difficulty and therefore
can be adapted for people of varying ability levels. Yoga may be helpful for
stress reduction, flexibility, strength and decreasing pain due to postural
abnormalities. People who participate in yoga report improvements in many
areas of physical and emotional well-being, however no controlled studies
have been performed in the MS population.
Tai Chi is another popular activity, which consists of slow, rhythmic body movements.
Research has shown that Tai Chi does increase strength and flexibility and may also
improve fatigue. Tai Chi is often performed as part of a group, which may provide
significant benefits with socialization. Many people with MS feel that Tai Chi is
effective in improving balance, mobility and stiffness. It may be an effective form
of activity for people with MS, but individuals should receive training from an
individual trained in working with people with disabilities.
Hippotherapy and therapeutic horseback riding are activities often used along with
physical therapy. Hippotherapy and therapeutic horseback riding are very popular
techniques for the pediatric population but have become more popular with adult
neurological populations, such as MS. Hippotherapy is felt to be beneficial for
improving balance, spasticity and other movement dysfunctions. Individuals
with MS report significant physical and psychological benefit with hippotherapy
and therapeutic horseback riding. The majority of the studies have been done
with children with cerebral palsy, but many of the same benefits may be seen
for people with MS.
Feldenkrais is a technique which uses awareness through movement (ATM) as a method of
learning or re-learning new behaviors. These techniques can be helpful in improving
functional mobility, balance and balance confidence. These activities can be done in
either a group or individual format. A recent study, published in Neurology Report1,
had 12 people with MS participate in 8 ATM classes over 10 weeks. Results of the
study demonstrated benefits for people with MS in the areas of balance confidence
and improved balance and postural control. These activities can be done in either
a group or individual format.
There is limited research backing many of these complementary physical activities.
However, many people with MS are participating in these and other activities in
hopes of improving their physical and psychological well-being. It is important
to continue research into these approaches, but most of them appear to have
positive effects, which outweigh any potential negative effects. |
| - reprinted with permision from- The Heuga Center . |
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