strategies of ms management

A number of professional clinicians can help you overcome the impact of MS on life and develop areas of self-management of problems and symptoms. The multi-disciplinary MS team in your area should include or have access to MS nurses, MS specialist physiotherapists, specialist occupational therapists and clinical psychologists. Some indications of helpful strategies are given below.

Therapies

Physiotherapists specialising in MS have a range of skills and resources that can help with mobility, balance and everyday activity. Some examples of this are gym and aqua therapy sessions to improve balance and mobility, advice on specific exercise programmes, access to aides and devices to help with mobility. Where necessary, physiotherapists refer to other agencies such as orthotics or enablement centres.

Occupational therapists can help with problems such as fatigue, dexterity issues and the provision of homebased assisted devices. 

MS nurses will generally work alongside the neurologists to follow up on and monitor medication, provide general advice on things like lifestyle and symptom management and to refer on to other team members or for the management of continence.

To help people with adjustment and coping with the changes that occur with MS, the support of a clinical psychologist can help to explain ways of managing concerns and anxieties.  

Understanding how you can help yourself

Therapists and psychologists can help you to find ways to cope with your MS and provide you with well researched advice for everyday living. Please talk to your GP or MS Nurse for further advice.