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Although there is no cure for MS, with the right medication and a holistic approach to physical and mental health, symptoms can be effectively managed and quality of life improved.

Exercise for Multiple sclerosis

Approximately 1 in 400 people in the UK have MS with higher rates in women, smokers and those with family history of the condition. MS affects everyone differently and while some are only mildly affected, for others it can cause significant challenges. Symptoms are unpredictable, but can include:

  • Extreme fatigue
  • Visual disturbances such as eye pain or blurred vision
  • Impaired coordination leading to poor balance, dizziness or clumsiness
  • Numbness or tingling sensations in different regions of the body
  • Muscles cramps, spasms and stiffness
  • Difficulty with memory or concentration

Benefits of exercise for MS

Exercise has been found to be one of the most effective interventions at not only managing MS symptoms, but slowing down its progression as well. Incorporating movement into your week can have physical, mental and social benefits. Some key benefits include:

  • Improved muscular strength and endurance
  • Decreased muscle stiffness and spasticity
  • Increased heart, lung and brain function
  • Regulation of mood, sleep and energy levels
  • Increased cognition
  • Maintenance of neural pathways with brain to body connection
  • Reduced falls risk
  • Improved coordination and motor function

  • Increased social interaction

  • Pain management

Types of exercise recommended for MS

Cardiovascular

Cardiovascular exercise is important for overall health, well-being and independence and is beneficial in managing fatigue, improving heart, lung and brain function, and enhancing mental health and cognition. This form of exercise should be completed regularly throughout the week and may include walking, swimming and cycling.

Strength

With loss of muscle mass being a prevalent symptom of MS, strength training is vital in slowing down its progression to improve muscle strength and endurance, maintain mobility and improve physical function. Sit to stands, seated row, and glute bridges are some functional strength exercises that can be added into your week.

Balance

Nerve damage and muscle weakness, commonly seen in those with MS, can cause challenges when it comes to balance and coordination. Exercises including yoga, single leg stance or heel to toe walking can help reduce falls risk, improve stability, maintain coordination and boost confidence.

Pelvic floor

Due to changes in neural pathways, reductions in pelvic control are common in those with MS. Pelvic floor exercises, including glute bridges, deadbugs and lying straight leg raises, can help improve bladder control, support bowel function, improve stability and maintain overall quality of life.

Kind words from our clients

"I am 75 and have MS and decided to actually do something positive about my physical state, which is something I have never actually done in the past. I randomly googled and found Longevity who sent me Gabriella, who has proven to be knowledgeable of my illness and thorough yet she gives positive encouragement so by the end of your session you have a real sense of achievement and reward. I have no hesitation in recommending her and this company."
(Julian, 75)

How we can help

Don’t let MS stand in the way of a fulfilling life. Take the first step toward a brighter future with our individualised clinical exercise plans. Our team of Exercise Physiologists are experienced in finding the right types and intensity of exercise for helping people improve their MS symptoms, strength, energy and mobility.

Our process

Initial consultation & assessment 

Personalised exercise plan 

One-to-one sessions

Independent exercise support

This is where the process starts. Here we will conduct a full medical history, assess your current movement and baseline exercise levels. Once the consultation is complete, we will set your goals together and create your personalised plan.

We will then design an exercise plan specific to you, your needs and goals, which you will be guided through in your one-to-one sessions. We will also provide home exercises to keep up with between sessions to help support your progress with your plan.

 Our one-to-one sessions will guide you through structured sessions, capturing all key areas of your fitness to help meet your goals. Sessions can be adapted to how you feel, your symptoms, and further injuries or health considerations.

Your assigned exercise professional will provide feedback and home exercise support for you to complete between your one-to-one sessions. This will help accelerate your progress and work towards making sustainable, long-term progress.