Living with multiple sclerosis often means dealing with overwhelming fatigue, a symptom that can affect daily life more than any other. If you’re exploring ways to manage this, you may be surprised to learn how physical therapy can treat fatigue in multiple sclerosis. Here at The Movement Guild, our expert team in Chicago, IL, specializes in creating personalized programs to help you regain energy and improve your quality of life.
Multiple sclerosis fatigue is more than just feeling tired; it’s a profound sense of exhaustion that isn’t always relieved by rest. This can make simple tasks feel monumental. Physical therapy offers a structured, evidence-based approach to combat this. By working with a physical therapist, you can learn to conserve energy, build strength safely, and develop sustainable routines that increase your stamina over time. This guide will walk you through how physical therapy can be a game-changer for managing MS-related fatigue.
Understanding Fatigue in Multiple Sclerosis
Fatigue is one of the most common and debilitating symptoms of multiple sclerosis, affecting up to 95% of individuals with the condition. It’s often described as a pervasive feeling of physical and mental exhaustion that is disproportionate to the activity performed.
There are two main types of MS fatigue:
- Primary Fatigue: This is caused directly by the disease process itself, such as damage to the central nervous system. It can feel like a sudden, overwhelming wave of exhaustion that comes on without warning.
- Secondary Fatigue: This results from other factors related to living with MS. These can include sleep disturbances, depression, side effects from medication, or the extra effort required to perform daily activities due to muscle weakness or spasticity.
Both types of fatigue can significantly impact your ability to work, socialize, and enjoy your hobbies. A physical therapist can help you identify the sources of your fatigue and create a targeted plan to address them.
The Role of Physical Therapy in Managing MS Fatigue
It might seem counterintuitive to use exercise to treat fatigue, but a carefully designed physical therapy program is one of the most effective strategies for improving energy levels in people with MS. Here’s how our approach at The Movement Guild in Chicago, IL, can help.
Building Strength and Endurance
Muscle weakness is a common symptom of MS that contributes to fatigue. When your muscles are weak, your body has to work much harder to perform simple movements, which quickly drains your energy reserves.
A physical therapist will design a progressive strengthening program tailored to your abilities. This involves using resistance exercises to build muscle mass and endurance. Stronger muscles work more efficiently, allowing you to perform daily tasks with less effort and fatigue. Our personal training services can provide a seamless transition from rehabilitation to ongoing fitness, ensuring you continue to build strength safely.
Improving Balance and Coordination
Balance problems are another hallmark of MS that can lead to increased fatigue. Constantly working to stay upright and avoid falls is physically and mentally exhausting.
Physical therapy incorporates specific balance exercises to improve your stability and coordination. By retraining the connection between your brain, nerves, and muscles, these exercises help your body maintain its balance more automatically. This reduces the cognitive load and physical effort required for movement, conserving valuable energy. If you’re experiencing dizziness or balance issues, our vestibular rehab program may be a valuable component of your treatment.
Energy Conservation Techniques
A key part of managing MS fatigue is learning how to use your energy wisely. A physical therapist can teach you practical strategies for energy conservation, including:
- Pacing: Breaking down large tasks into smaller, manageable steps with rest periods in between.
- Prioritizing: Identifying your most important activities and scheduling them for times when you typically have the most energy.
- Modifying Activities: Finding easier ways to perform daily tasks, such as sitting down while cooking or using assistive devices.
By integrating these techniques into your daily routine, you can accomplish more without depleting your energy stores.
Creating a Personalized Exercise Plan
The “right” amount and type of exercise can vary greatly from person to person with MS. A physical therapist will conduct a thorough assessment to understand your unique symptoms, fitness level, and goals.
Based on this assessment, they will create a customized exercise plan that balances activity with rest. The plan may include a combination of:
- Aerobic exercise (like walking or stationary cycling) to improve cardiovascular health.
- Strengthening exercises to build muscle.
- Stretching to improve flexibility and reduce stiffness.
- Balance and coordination drills.
Your therapist will teach you how to monitor your symptoms and adjust your activity level to avoid overexertion, ensuring your exercise routine is both safe and effective.
What to Expect from Your Physical Therapy Session
When you visit The Movement Guild in Chicago, IL, for physical therapy to treat fatigue in multiple sclerosis, your first session will involve a comprehensive evaluation. We’ll discuss your medical history, symptoms, and personal goals. We will also assess your strength, mobility, balance, and movement patterns.
From there, we will develop a personalized treatment plan. Our approach is hands-on and brain-based, focusing on retraining how your nervous system and body work together. Your sessions may include manual therapy, targeted exercises, and education on managing your condition. We believe in one-on-one care, so you’ll have our full attention during every appointment.
Your Path to More Energy Starts Here
Fatigue doesn’t have to control your life. With the right support and strategies, you can improve your energy levels and get back to doing the things you love. Physical therapy provides a structured, personalized approach to help you manage fatigue from multiple sclerosis effectively.
If you are in the Chicago, IL area and ready to take control of your energy, our team at The Movement Guild is here to help. We are committed to providing expert, compassionate care that empowers you on your recovery journey.
Request an appointment today to learn more about how physical therapy can treat fatigue in multiple sclerosis and help you live a more active, fulfilling life.