What is Multiple Sclerosis?
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a condition of the central nervous system that interferes with nerve impulses within the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves. There are a number of different types of MS and it varies in severity, symptoms and progress. Some of the symptoms that can be experienced include:
- loss of coordination (ataxia) and tremor
- problems with gait and balance
- muscle weakness, tightness or spasticity
- cognition problems including poor memory and difficulty concentrating
- incontinence
- depression
- fatigue
- heat sensitivity
- pain
- vision problems
Allied Health Support for Multiple Sclerosis
A variety of allied health support, particularly therapies focussed on neuro-rehabilitation, is available to assist individuals diagnosed with MS in both residential and home care aged care environments.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapists can assist individuals with MS by:
- devising exercise programs to improve muscle strength and flexibility and maintain fitness
- working with patients to improve balance and prevent falls
- providing pain management interventions
- offering stretching and manual therapy
- advising on interventions to assist with continence care
Occupational therapy
An occupational therapist can assist people with MS by:
- modifying activities and tasks to make them easier to complete
- providing support for hobbies, craft and leisure interests and social interaction
- offering advice on assistive equipment including seating and mobility aids
- advise on home and environmental modifications for independent living
Podiatry
Muscle weakness is commonly experienced by those with multiple sclerosis and can affect the feet and lower limbs. Our qualified podiatrists assist in making seniors with this condition comfortable by providing geriatric foot care including:
- orthotic therapy and custom orthotics including ankle foot orthoses
- toe splints to address toe curling and hammer toes
- foot care advice and information
- corn and callus removal
- management and treatment of skin and nail disorders including in-grown toenails
- footwear advice and education
- biomechanical assessment including gait assessment and management
- neurological and vascular risk assessment
ACRS and MS
At ACRS, our allied health professionals are experienced at assisting individuals with a range of conditions, including MS, in both residential aged care and home care environments.
