Can Myotherapy Help With Multiple Sclerosis?

Have you or someone you love been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis? The symptoms of this condition can range from uncomfortable to debilitating.

But the good news is that manual therapy techniques that fall under the scope of myotherapy can help to alleviate some of these symptoms.

Let’s take a look at how myotherapy can help with multiple sclerosis.

What is multiple sclerosis?
Multiple sclerosis, or MS, is an autoimmune disorder that affects the central nervous system.

‘Sclerosis’ means ‘scars’, which occur throughout the central nervous system. These scars interfere with the nerve impulses within the brain, the spinal cord and the optic nerves. 

Because the scars can occur anywhere throughout the central nervous system, different symptoms can manifest.

Over 25,000 Australians have been diagnosed with MS. Most are diagnosed between the ages of 20-40, but it can occur in people who are younger or older. Women are far more likely to be diagnosed with MS.

What are the symptoms of multiple sclerosis?
Because multiple sclerosis can occur throughout the nervous system, there is a wide range of symptoms that people with MS may experience. No two cases are the same. 

However, symptoms will typically fall under five main categories:

• Motor control issues – including muscle spasms, weakness, poor coordination and balance, particularly in the arms and legs
• Fatigue
• Neurological (nerve-related) symptoms – including vertigo, pins and needs, neuralgia (nerve pain) and visual disturbances
• Neuro-psychological symptoms – including depression, memory loss and difficulties with cognition
• Continence – including bladder incontinence and constipation

How can myotherapy help with multiple sclerosis?
This can really depend on the primary symptoms you’re looking to manage. However, myotherapy has a diverse range of tools and techniques that may help to minimise symptoms related to motor control, fatigue and neurological issues.

Some of the symptoms myotherapy may help to relieve include:

• Muscle pain and fatigue
• Nerve pain
• Numbness
• Tingling sensations
• Pins and needles

Massage and multiple sclerosis
One of myotherapy’s tools that has some promising research to back it up is massage therapy. 

There have been several small studies into the benefits of massage therapy for MS. They found that massage therapy was able to relieve pain, fatigue and quality of life.

One study found that massage was more effective at relieving symptoms compared to exercise therapy. It also suggested that combining massage with exercise therapy could have even greater benefits.

Managing multiple sclerosis symptoms with Simple Wellness Myotherapy
Here are Simple Wellness Myotherapy, we have had patient outcomes such as:

• Resolving a two year persistent headache and preventing it from returning
• Reducing constant tingling and vibration in the neck and shoulder area, with some periods of time where the symptom goes away entirely
• Improving muscle fatigue levels in the legs, allowing the patient to spend longer periods of time standing or walking

Every case of MS is unique, so we cannot guarantee that you will achieve the same results. But we can say that our practitioners are experienced when it comes to MS, and will go the extra mile to help you find as much relief as possible.

Simple Wellness Myotherapy also works as a healthcare provider for those receiving employment assistance through MS Employment Services. If you are receiving employment assistance, you can have a chat with your Occupational Therapist to see if myotherapy can be incorporated into your package.

Ready to make a booking? Click here to visit our booking page.