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Physical
Therapy for Multiple Sclerosis in Monmouth County
Understanding
Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple
Sclerosis is a degenerative disorder that affects the central nervous
system (the brain and spinal cord). A fatty substance known as myelin
coats the nerve fibers of the central nervous system in order to
provide protection and insulation. Multiple sclerosis is a condition
in which myelin is damaged in multiple areas, leaving scar tissue
known as scleroses. This disrupts the nerves’ ability to send
messages to and from the brain. In some cases, the nerve fibers
may be damaged or broken.
The
symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis occur episodically and gradually
worsen as neurological function progressively deteriorates. Relapses
in symptoms usually occur without warning or triggering factors.
Symptoms
of Multiple Sclerosis
Virtually
any neurological dysfunction can occur with Multiple Sclerosis;
the list of possible symptoms can be significantly varied from patient
to patient, and may include the following:
•
Weakness and fatigue;
• Vision problems;
• Numbness;
• Pain;
• Depression or emotional issues;
• Cognitive difficulties (difficulty with memory, attention
span, and problem solving);
• Dizziness or vertigo;
• Bladder or bowel dysfunction; and
• Difficulty walking due to decreased balance or coordination.
Physical
Therapy for Multiple Sclerosis
The
overall goal of any physical therapy program is to help patients
regain mobility and flexibility while building strength. Physical
therapy is particularly relevant for Multiple Sclerosis patients
because many have difficulty with mobility. Patients also may experience
tightness, pain, or weakness in the muscles and joints; these symptoms
can be alleviated with various physical therapy techniques.
It
is important for Multiple Sclerosis patients to work with a physical
therapist to create a program to strengthen the muscles, improve
balance and coordination, and maintain and improve mobility issues.
The biggest goal of physical therapy for Multiple Sclerosis is to
help patients improve movement and function in order to relieve
pain, enhance quality of life, and help patients to retain or regain
independence.
Holistic
Care for Multiple Sclerosis at Monmouth Pain and Rehabilitation
Center
Holistic
care seeks to treat the patient as a whole. Toward this end, Monmouth
Pain and Rehabilitation Center offers a wide variety of treatment
options for Multiple Sclerosis, including physical
therapy, chiropractic, acupuncture,
and massage therapy.
Our
Red Bank, NJ facility, we incorporate many physical therapy techniques,
including therapeutic exercise programs; low-level laser therapy;
ultrasound technology; and electrotherapy. We also incorporate the
use of PowerPlate technology, which has been proven in studies to
help Multiple Sclerosis patients maintain or improve levels of functioning
and performance.
A
combination of physical therapy and chiropractic can help Multiple
Sclerosis patients find relief from symptoms without the use of
medications. This type of care can also be used well before an official
diagnosis can be made (which often takes some time). Please contact
our office or visit to learn more about physical therapy for
Multiple Sclerosis in Monmouth County.
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