Exercise is an important part of home treatment for people who have multiple sclerosis (MS). It has benefits in both early and advanced stages of the disease. Regular exercise can help you:
Exercise can also promote a sense of well-being and improve your mood.
A physical therapist can help you learn exercises and stretches to do at home to improve posture, strength, flexibility, and endurance.
A physical or occupational therapist can also help you to:
There are also seated exercises for the person who cannot walk but can move the limbs and trunk. There are exercises to help with coordination and balance, which are often a problem for people who have MS.
Abnormal muscle stiffness (spasticity) can be relieved by doing exercises while lying in certain positions.
Current as of: November 19, 2019
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review: Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine
Anne C. Poinier MD - Internal Medicine
Martin J. Gabica MD - Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine
Karin M. Lindholm DO - Neurology
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