Multiple Sclerosis Physical Therapy Charleston, SC

+ What Is Multiple Sclerosis?

Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that injures the brain’s communication with the rest of your body. A sheath of material known as myelin surrounds and protects nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord. With multiple sclerosis, your immune system harms your myelin’s healthy cells to disrupt the normal function of your brain, spinal cord, and eyes. It can progress to result in permanent damage to these nerves.

+ What Causes Multiple Sclerosis?

The cause of multiple sclerosis is not known, although scientists continue their research in these areas:

• The immune system’s role

• Gene mutations

• Environmental factors

• Bacterial and viral infections

+ What Are the Symptoms Of Multiple Sclerosis?

Multiple sclerosis affects each person differently with various symptoms, including:

• Fatigue

• Difficulty walking

• Vision problems

• Muscle spasms

• Tremors

• Dizziness and loss of coordination

• Speech difficulties

• Cognitive impairment

+ What Are the Risk Factors For Multiple Sclerosis?

There is no single risk factor for multiple sclerosis, but several factors may increase your overall risk, such as:

• Where you live. Some geographical areas, such as places farther from the equator, show a higher risk of multiple sclerosis. This fact may point to the role of other environmental and genetic factors.

• Nutrition. Eating a poor diet, especially one deficient in Vitamin D, is one of the most common risk factors for multiple sclerosis.

• Smoking. Evidence continues to increase that smoking plays a significant role in the initiation and rapid progression of the disease.

• Obesity. Childhood and adolescent obesity increase a person’s risk of developing multiple sclerosis later in life.

+ What Are The Complications of Multiple Sclerosis?

The complications of multiple sclerosis can affect normal daily activities. Some of these complications include:

• Muscle paralysis

• Depression

• Bladder and bowel problems

• Mood changes

• Memory loss

+ How Can Physical Therapy Help With Multiple Sclerosis?

Beginning physical and occupational therapy during the early stages of multiple sclerosis can help you improve symptoms, manage mild challenges, and possibly slow down the disease’s progression. Our therapists provide a complete examination and assessment of your symptoms before creating a personalized treatment plan. We focus on helping you return to your active life at work, home, and your community. Your treatment may include:

• Strength training

• Balance training

• Therapeutic exercises

• Functional training

• Therapeutic activities