What is Multiple Sclerosis?
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common neurological disorder, leading to permanent disability in young adulthood and premature retirement. It is a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system (CNS). For reasons as yet unknown , multiple sclerosis causes the insulating layer surrounding our nerve cells to be attacked and damaged by the body's defense cells. The consequence: a disturbance in the forwarding of impulses through the nerves. MS patients frequently experience symptoms like tingling, spasticity, paralysis and visual disturbances.
An estimated two million people worldwide suffer from multiple sclerosis, making it the second most common neurological disease. MS usually begins in early adulthood, but childhood diagnoses are increasing. The disease peaks at around age 30. Approximately twice as many women are affected by the disease as men.
Causes:
- Internal influences: hereditary factors, immune system disorders and disturbances in the metabolism of the myelin (myelin = the spiral-shaped insulation envelope, containing fat, which surrounds the nerves)
- Environmental influences: climatic and other geographic influences, as well as nutrition.
- Other influences: infections or accidents, for example
What exactly causes multiple sclerosis is still unknown. It is believed, however, that a variety of different factors must come together in order for multiple sclerosis to occur.
When does the physiotherapist help?
- Exercise Therapy for Cramps: If the muscle tension is too high and the joint is against movement, cramps or even spasticity can occur. Passive exercises help to relax and relax the muscles.
- Balance Training: Multiple Sclerosis Patients often have balance issues. This can lead to uncertainties when walking, standing or sitting. Physiotherapists help people with targeted balance exercises to take a stable stance, move more safely and avoid falls.
- Help for everyday life: In addition to the sport give physiotherapists their patients tips and suggestions for coping with everyday life. For example, a jointly developed "day plan" helps those affected to rationalize their limited resources and avoid unnecessary ways.
- Homework for those affected: In addition to the regular physiotherapy sessions, it is also important to continue the training program at home. Your therapist will give you help and recommendations for the "homework". Even autogenic training or yoga can be supportive.
