Multiple sclerosis is a disease in which the myelin surrounding the brain and spinal cord become damaged, causing a wide variety of physical and cognitive symptoms. Many people with MS experience fatigue, issues with walking, balance, and muscular control.
Resistance training has been well-researched in people with MS and most studies show a large number of benefits. In People with MS, Resistance Training Can Improve:
Fatigue
Strength
Lower Extremity Function
Balance
Mood
Sleep Quality
Inflammatory Markers
Research is still being done to see how resistance training may improve spasticity (a form of muscular tension common in MS), promote neuroplastic change and re-myelination, cognition, and slow or prevent the progression of MS over time. Preliminary studies show promising results! Exercise, including resistance training, is very safe and beneficial for people with MS, and plays an important role in managing the disease and maintaining long-term health and function. Almost everyone with MS should make exercise a part of their regular routine, as part of a holistic plan to manage and even improve their symptoms. There are very few services in Calgary for people with MS who are looking to get more fit and active under the supervision of a trained professional in a safe environment. If you (or anyone you know) have MS and are looking to improve your long-
term health and function, please get in touch with me, and we will put you on a plan to show you the way.
One of my first experiences in research and physiotherapy was interviewing older adults with MS on their life experiences and what they thought was important to successfully managing their MS across their lifespan.
Of course, regular exercise and physical activity was mentioned most often.
It's been over ten years, but I still remember many of these people and their interviews clearly. It was inspiring to get to meet so many resilient and hard-working individuals who were happy and healthy despite a potentially devastating diagnosis.
I'm looking to provide active, exercise-based physiotherapy to people with MS in the Calgary area. If you or anyone you know is interested, just reach out or book in on my website for a free online 20-minute chat to see what we can do for you.