Exercise can help
In the past, it was believed that people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) should avoid exercise. This is no longer true. Overwhelming fatigue and physical limitations may thwart efforts to keep moving, but the tendency to limit physical activity may be counterproductive. People with MS should engage in a program of regular exercise to help maintain strength, balance, and muscle tone, and reduce spasticity.Exercise can help combat fatigue and depression — a major concern of people with MS — and keep muscle and joints limber and strong. Inactivity and lack of muscle use can contribute to poor posture, weakness, shortening of muscles, loss of coordination, and breathing problems.
People with MS should not begin a program of exercise without an exercise prescription from their health care providers. Exercise prescriptions are devised by physical therapists or rehabilitation physicians trained in treating people with MS. Prescriptions are not the same for everyone. Before developing recommendations, therapists will examine individual physical activity patterns and limitations. They will take into account any individual problems and weaknesses when selecting the most appropriate exercises.
Prescriptions generally do not include vigorous exercises that increase core body temperature, which tends to worsen symptoms in some people. It's best to exercise regularly during symptom-free periods, but not to engage in intense exercise during an attack. The best exercises are the ones you enjoy and you will do.
An exercise prescription may include the following types of exercises:
Upper and lower body range-of-motion exercises
- Aerobic exercises (stationary cycling, walking)
- Endurance and strengthening exercises
- Stretching exercises
- Aquatic exercises
- Weight-bearing exercises
- Exercises to improve balance and coordination
- Resistance exercises
- Relaxation techniques
- T'ai Chi
