WE TREAT
Multiple sclerosis
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a neurological condition affecting over 130,000 people in the UK, with around 7,000 new diagnoses each year.
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COMMON
SYMPTOMS
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a lifelong condition that can vary greatly in severity and symptoms, impacting mobility, sensation, and cognition.
MS can lead to a variety of symptoms:
Fatigue
Persistent tiredness that significantly impacts daily activities.
Numbness and tingling
Often experienced in the limbs or face.
Cognitive changes
Coordination and balance problems
Vision issues
Muscle weakness
Emotional changes
Bladder and bowel dysfunction
Urgency, incontinence, or constipation.
Spasticity
SYMPTOMS CAN LEAD TO
Disabilities
Mobility challenges
Difficulty walking or using stairs, often requiring mobility aids.
Employment Limitations
Reduced ability to work due to fatigue, cognitive challenges, or physical limitations.
SOCIAL ISOLATION
Emotional and physical symptoms may lead to withdrawal from social activities.
Household Management
Challenges with daily tasks like cooking, cleaning and personal care.
WHAT IS
Neurophysiotherapy
Neurophysiotherapy is vital in managing Multiple Sclerosis (MS), focusing on improving mobility, balance, coordination, and overall physical function.
- Tailored Exercise Programmes: Our personalised programmes strengthen muscles, enhance coordination, and improve flexibility, while also reducing symptoms like spasticity, muscle weakness, and gait disturbances.
- Coordination Improvement: Specific exercises are designed to help individuals regain control over their movements, promoting greater independence in daily activities.
- Specialised Assessments: We conduct comprehensive assessments to evaluate individual needs and prescribe appropriate interventions.
- Assistive Devices: Our team can recommend and prescribe orthotics, Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) devices, and the Mollii suit to support mobility and function.
By integrating these approaches, our neurophysiotherapy services aim to enhance the quality of life for those living with MS, enabling them to engage more fully in their daily routines.
TEAM MANAGEMENT
MULTIDISCIPLINARY APPROACH
Physiotherapist (PT)
Physiotherapists help individuals with MS manage their physical symptoms, maintain mobility, and enhance overall function. Key interventions include:
- Exercise programmes: Tailored exercises to improve strength, flexibility, and endurance.
- Gait training: Techniques to address walking difficulties and reduce fall risk.
- Balance and coordination training: Exercises to enhance stability and reduce dizziness.
- Fatigue management: Strategies to conserve energy and manage fatigue, a common symptom of MS.
Occupational therapist (OT)
Occupational therapists assist individuals with MS in maintaining independence in daily activities by adapting tasks and environments. They focus on:
- Activity modification: Teaching strategies to simplify tasks and conserve energy.
- Home assessments: Making recommendations for environmental adaptations to enhance safety and accessibility.
- Assistive devices: Identifying and recommending tools that facilitate daily living, such as grab bars or dressing aids.
- Cognitive support: Helping with memory and organisational skills if cognitive issues arise.
Neuropsychologist
Neuropsychologists are essential in supporting individuals with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) by addressing cognitive and emotional challenges. Key roles include:
- Cognitive Assessment: Evaluating memory, attention, and executive functioning to identify impairments like cognitive fatigue.
- Intervention Strategies: Developing tailored rehabilitation exercises and teaching coping techniques to enhance daily functioning.
- Emotional Support: Providing counselling to help manage anxiety and emotional distress.
- Education and Training: Educating individuals and families about MS’s cognitive effects and effective support strategies.
- Collaborative Care: Working with neurologists and other healthcare providers to ensure integrated care.
Through these approaches, neuropsychologists improve the quality of life for those living with MS.
Rehab dieticians
Dietitians help individuals with MS manage their nutritional needs, which can be impacted by fatigue and medication side effects. Their focus includes:
- Nutritional guidance: Providing tailored dietary recommendations to support overall health.
- Meal planning: Helping to design meal plans that meet energy needs and address specific dietary concerns.
- Weight management: Offering strategies to maintain a healthy weight, which is important for mobility and overall wellbeing.
Speech and Language therapists (SLT)
Speech and language therapists provide support for individuals with MS who may experience speech or swallowing difficulties. Key interventions include:
- Speech therapy: Exercises to improve speech clarity and volume, and strategies to enhance communication.
- Swallowing therapy: Assessing and managing dysphagia, offering techniques to ensure safer eating and drinking.
- Alternative communication methods: Introducing tools and technology to aid communication if necessary.
Supporting Evidence for Community-Based MDT Rehabilitation in Multiple Sclerosis
Community-based multidisciplinary team (MDT) rehabilitation offers significant benefits for individuals with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Here are key points from the supporting evidence:
1. Improved Functional Outcomes
MDT rehabilitation enhances functional mobility and daily living skills. A 2021 study showed that early intervention from physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and neuropsychology significantly improves independence and quality of life.
2. Enhanced Quality of Life
Participants in community-based rehabilitation report higher satisfaction and emotional well-being, contributing to an overall better quality of life.
3. Reduced Hospital Admissions
Community rehabilitation programmes can lower hospital admissions. A 2022 study indicated that patients receiving community care had fewer hospital stays, reducing healthcare costs.
4. Holistic Care Approach
MDT rehabilitation addresses physical, emotional, and psychological needs, leading to better symptom management and mental health outcomes.
5. Increased Patient Engagement
This approach encourages active patient participation, resulting in greater adherence to treatment plans and improved health outcomes.
Conclusion
Community-based MDT rehabilitation is effective for managing Multiple Sclerosis, improving functional outcomes and quality of life while reducing hospital admissions through a collaborative, patient-centred approach.
TEAM MANAGEMENT
MULTIDISCIPLINARY APPROACH
Physiotherapist (PT)
- Exercise programmes: Tailored exercises to improve strength, flexibility, and endurance.
- Gait training: Techniques to address walking difficulties and reduce fall risk.
- Balance and coordination training: Exercises to enhance stability and reduce dizziness.
- Fatigue management: Strategies to conserve energy and manage fatigue, a common symptom of MS.
Occupational therapist (OT)
Occupational therapists assist individuals with MS in maintaining independence in daily activities by adapting tasks and environments. They focus on:
- Activity modification: Teaching strategies to simplify tasks and conserve energy.
- Home assessments: Making recommendations for environmental adaptations to enhance safety and accessibility.
- Assistive devices: Identifying and recommending tools that facilitate daily living, such as grab bars or dressing aids.
- Cognitive support: Helping with memory and organisational skills if cognitive issues arise.
Neuropsychologist
Neuropsychologists are essential in supporting individuals with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) by addressing cognitive and emotional challenges. Key roles include:
- Cognitive Assessment: Evaluating memory, attention, and executive functioning to identify impairments like cognitive fatigue.
- Intervention Strategies: Developing tailored rehabilitation exercises and teaching coping techniques to enhance daily functioning.
- Emotional Support: Providing counselling to help manage anxiety and emotional distress.
- Education and Training: Educating individuals and families about MS’s cognitive effects and effective support strategies.
- Collaborative Care: Working with neurologists and other healthcare providers to ensure integrated care.
Through these approaches, neuropsychologists improve the quality of life for those living with MS.
Speech and language therapist (SLT)
Speech and language therapists provide support for individuals with MS who may experience speech or swallowing difficulties. Key interventions include:
- Speech therapy: Exercises to improve speech clarity and volume, and strategies to enhance communication.
- Swallowing therapy: Assessing and managing dysphagia, offering techniques to ensure safer eating and drinking.
- Alternative communication methods: Introducing tools and technology to aid communication if necessary.
Rehab Dieticians
Dietitians help individuals with MS manage their nutritional needs, which can be impacted by fatigue and medication side effects. Their focus includes:
- Nutritional guidance: Providing tailored dietary recommendations to support overall health.
- Meal planning: Helping to design meal plans that meet energy needs and address specific dietary concerns.
- Weight management: Offering strategies to maintain a healthy weight, which is important for mobility and overall wellbeing.
Supporting Evidence for Community-Based MDT Rehabilitation in Multiple Sclerosis
Community-based multidisciplinary team (MDT) rehabilitation offers significant benefits for individuals with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Here are key points from the supporting evidence:
1. Improved Functional Outcomes
MDT rehabilitation enhances functional mobility and daily living skills. A 2021 study showed that early intervention from physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and neuropsychology significantly improves independence and quality of life.
2. Enhanced Quality of Life
Participants in community-based rehabilitation report higher satisfaction and emotional well-being, contributing to an overall better quality of life.
3. Reduced Hospital Admissions
Community rehabilitation programmes can lower hospital admissions. A 2022 study indicated that patients receiving community care had fewer hospital stays, reducing healthcare costs.
4. Holistic Care Approach
MDT rehabilitation addresses physical, emotional, and psychological needs, leading to better symptom management and mental health outcomes.
5. Increased Patient Engagement
This approach encourages active patient participation, resulting in greater adherence to treatment plans and improved health outcomes.
Conclusion
Community-based MDT rehabilitation is effective for managing Multiple Sclerosis, improving functional outcomes and quality of life while reducing hospital admissions through a collaborative, patient-centred approach.
LATEST TECH
INNOVATIVE TOOLS
THE ‘MOLLI’ SUIT
THE ‘MOLLI’ SUIT
Functional electric stimulation (FES)
NEURO CONDITIONS