What is multiple sclerosis?

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic disease of the central nervous system in which the immune system attacks myelin, the protective covering around nerve fibres in the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves. This disrupts communication between the brain and the rest of the body and can lead to a wide range of physical, sensory and cognitive symptoms.

Symptoms can vary significantly from person to person and may change over time. They can include:

• fatigue

• weakness

• walking or balance difficulties

• spasms or stiffness

• tremor or coordination difficulties

• sensory changes

• speech or swallowing problems in some people

• changes in bladder, vision or cognition.
  
  

How multiple sclerosis may affect daily function

Multiple sclerosis affects each person differently, but it may impact:

• walking and mobility

• balance and falls risk

• strength and endurance

• fatigue and activity tolerance

• transfers and everyday movement

• hand use and fine motor tasks

• self-care and daily routines

• participation at home and in the community.

Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of MS and may be both physical and cognitive. Because symptoms can come and go or fluctuate over time, allied health support often needs to be adjusted to match the person’s function and energy levels.

How Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health may help

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy may support adults with MS where there are goals related to mobility, balance, walking, transfers, posture, endurance or physical participation. Depending on the person’s needs, physiotherapy may include:

• walking and mobility support

• balance and falls prevention strategies

• transfer practice and functional movement training

• stretching and movement programs

• fatigue-aware activity planning

• support for posture and physical confidence

• mobility aid input where clinically appropriate

NHS and MS-related rehabilitation resources note that physiotherapy may help with movement problems, spasticity and restricted mobility.

Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy may help when MS is affecting daily living, routines, hand use, fatigue management, home safety, equipment needs or independence. OT may include:

• self-care and daily routine strategies

• task simplification or environmental adaptation

• home safety recommendations

• fatigue management and pacing

• equipment or assistive technology suggestions where appropriate

MS rehabilitation guidance commonly includes occupational therapy as part of multidisciplinary support for daily function and symptom management.

Speech Pathology

Speech pathology may be relevant where MS affects speech, communication, cognitive-communication, feeding or swallowing. Speech and swallowing difficulties are recognised MS symptoms in some people, and speech pathology may be useful where these concerns are affecting daily life.

Exercise Physiology

Exercise physiology may be appropriate for some adults with MS who need support with strength, conditioning, endurance or structured physical activity. Programs should always be tailored carefully to the person’s function, fatigue, balance and safety needs.

MS Australia’s brain health report includes physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, and exercise physiology among the supports that may be relevant for people living with MS.

Our approach

At Palms, we take a function-focused, goal-directed approach. That means we look at how MS is affecting the person in everyday life and what practical support may help most at that point in time. Therapy may focus on:

improving walking and mobility

supporting balance and movement confidence

helping with transfers and everyday tasks

managing fatigue and reduced activity tolerance

adapting routines as function changes

supporting safety and participation in daily life

We also recognise that support often works best when it is coordinated with the person’s family, carers, GP, neurologist and broader support team where appropriate. Rehabilitation and allied health are commonly recommended parts of MS care alongside medical management.

FAQ

What is multiple sclerosis?

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic disease of the central nervous system in which the immune system damages myelin around nerve fibres, disrupting signals between the brain and body.

Is multiple sclerosis progressive?

MS can change over time, but the pattern varies between people. Some people have relapsing episodes, while others experience more steady progression. NINDS notes that symptoms and disease course can vary widely.

Can physiotherapy help with multiple sclerosis?

Physiotherapy may help support mobility, walking, balance, transfers, posture and physical participation for people living with MS. NHS and rehabilitation resources note that physiotherapy may help with movement problems and spasticity.

Can occupational therapy help with multiple sclerosis?

Yes. Occupational therapy may assist with daily living, routines, fatigue management, home safety, equipment and independence in everyday activities.

Can multiple sclerosis cause fatigue?

Yes. Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of MS and may be both physical and cognitive.

Can MS affect speech or swallowing?

It can. MS rehabilitation resources list speech and swallowing difficulties among the symptoms that can occur in some people.

Does everyone with MS need speech pathology?

Not always. Speech pathology may only be relevant if the person has communication, cognitive-communication, feeding or swallowing concerns.

Can allied health treat MS itself?

No. Multiple sclerosis requires medical diagnosis and management. Allied health does not treat the disease itself, but may support mobility, function, fatigue management, safety and day-to-day quality of life.

When should someone with MS see allied health?

Allied health may be worth considering when MS is affecting mobility, fatigue, balance, daily living, communication, swallowing or independence.

If you or your family member is living with multiple sclerosis and would like support with mobility, balance, fatigue management, daily function, communication or swallowing, our team can discuss whether physiotherapy or allied health input may be appropriate for your needs. 

Please visit these other websites for further information:

MS Australia – The peak body representing people living with Multiple Sclerosis, offering resources, support, and advocacy.

https://www.msaustralia.org.au

MS Society of Western Australia (MSWA) – Provides support and services to people living with MS in Western Australia.

https://www.mswa.org.au

National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) – Offers support for Australians living with disabilities, including those with MS.

https://www.ndis.gov.au

Multiple Sclerosis Research Australia (MSRA) – Supports research into the causes and treatment of MS.

https://msra.org.au

EnableMe: Multiple Sclerosis Support – Provides information, support, and online communities for people with MS.

https://enableme.org.au

Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) – Resources on physiotherapy for individuals with MS.

https://australian.physio

Occupational Therapy Australia – Information on the role of occupational therapy in MS management.

https://otaus.com.au

Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA) – Resources on exercise physiology for individuals living with chronic illnesses like MS.

https://www.essa.org.au

Australian Government Health – Provides general information on MS and disability support services.

https://www.health.gov.au

Important disclaimer: This webpage contains general information only and is not intended to be relied upon as personal clinical advice. While we aim to keep information accurate and up to date, it may not reflect the most current research or your individual circumstances. Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health does not accept liability for decisions made based on this information without an individualised assessment by an appropriately qualified health professional. If you have concerns, please contact us to book an assessment or speak with your GP/medical team.