Multiple Sclerosis Rehabilitation
Tanu Gut

By - Abhishek Kaushik
Functional Manual Therapist at VARDĀN
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease in which the insulating covers of nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord are damaged. This damage disrupts the ability of parts of the nervous system to transmit signals, resulting in a range of signs and symptoms, including physical, mental, and sometimes psychiatric problems. MS takes several forms, with new symptoms either occurring in isolated attacks (relapsing forms) or building up over time(progressive forms). In the relapsing forms of MS, between attacks, symptoms may disappear completely, although some permanent neurological problems often remain, especially as the disease advances. In the progressive forms of MS, bodily function slowly deteriorates, and disability worsens once symptoms manifest and will steadily continue to do so if the disease is left untreated.
Signs and Symptoms
The specific symptoms are determined by the locations of the lesions within the nervous system, include
  • Focal loss of sensitivity and/or changes in sensation in the limbs, such as feeling tingling, pins and needles, or numbness; limb motor weakness/pain
  • Blurred vision.
  • Pronounced reflexes, muscle spasms, difficulty with ambulation, difficulties with coordination and balance (ataxia).
  • Problems with speech or  swallowing.
  • Visual problems (optic neuritis or nystagmus manifesting as double vision).
  • Fatigue, and bladder and bowel difficulties (such as urinary and/or faecal incontinence orretention).
  • Gait: When multiple sclerosis is more advanced, walking difficulties can occur and the riskof falling increases.
Diagnosis is typically with medical imaging, such as a CT scan or MRI scan, along with a physical exam.
Treatment Options
Different neurological treatments for multiple sclerosis, which integrate well in paradigm of Functional Manual Therapy® are
  • PNF - PNF or proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation is a set of s techniques commonly used in clinical environments to enhance both active and passive range of motion to improve motor performance.
  • Bobath - Bobath concept is to promote motor learning for efficient motor control in various environments, thereby improving participation and function.
  • Rood's approach - Rood's Techniques are based on known physiological facts concerning the way the nervous system and muscular system interact with one another.
  • Mirror therapy - the use of a mirror to create a reflective illusion of an affected limb to trick the brain into thinking movement has occurred on the opposite side.
  • Graded motor imagery - It is a mental process by which an individual rehearses or simulates a given action.
How FMTTM Helps
Functional Manual Therapy® is a system founded on the recognition that all tissues of the body are intricately interconnected. It is a system of highly-specialized and integrated skill sets of listening, palpation and visual observation. Functional Manual Therapy® (FMTTM) plays an essential role in rehabilitation of patients suffering from multiple sclerosis. When a person comes for an initial evaluation, the Functional Manual Therapist evaluates the motor, sensory, cognitive, gait, reflexes, coordination, and balance of the patient. Therapist also assesses the strength and range of motion of upper and lower extremity. A FMTTM therapist caters to the mechanical, neuromuscular and motor-control issues faced by the patient in activities of daily living.
 
Our Client Speak

I am a regular at Vardan, Lajpat Nagar, New Delhi Center.  My condition- stroke left sided weakness- requires regular treatment for maintaining strength and flexibility.   I am very grateful to Abhishek for his professionalism and hard work over the last 7 years in treating me.  With his extensive reading and research, Abhishek is very knowledgeable about the new and upcoming techniques and devices  in neurological treatment. Over the past several years, not just myself, my husband, brother-in-law and nephew consulted Abhishek for niggles relating to desk worker problems- stiff neck, painful back etc.  After just one consultation, Abhishek was able to treat their problems with a well thought out treatment plan.  Our assessment is that Abhishek is the most dependable and competent therapist we have met so far. I look forward to many more treatment sessions with Abhishek in the coming months. Thank you and Best Regards,
- Varsha Marathe Dayal

 
 
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Please call 011-43580720-22, 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM
Monday to Saturday
You may also contact our team on
+91-9971112446, +91-9910955500, +91-9810306730, +91-9910855500
Email: vardan@timesgroup.com | Web: www.vardan.in
Address: 16-A, Ring Road, Lajpat Nagar- IV, New Delhi 110024
A Functional Manual Therapist is also available in Gurugram & Noida