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(08) 6110 0570admin@pdchealthhub.com.auMultiple sclerosis is a long term condition of the central nervous system in which the immune system damages myelin, the protective layer around nerves, so signals between the brain and body are disrupted.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a long term condition of the central nervous system. The immune system damages myelin, the protective layer around nerves, which disrupts signals between the brain and the rest of the body.1 Symptoms vary a great deal and can come and go: muscle stiffness and weakness, problems with balance and coordination, vision changes, pins and needles, bladder and bowel changes, changes in memory and concentration, fatigue and sensitivity to heat.1,4 Relapsing remitting MS is the most common type. It usually begins between the ages of 20 and 40 and is more common in women.1
A neurologist diagnoses MS, chooses and monitors immunotherapy, and treats relapses.1 An MS Nurse is often the person you can reach between appointments, and MS Australia names neurologists, MS Nurses and GPs as the first people to talk to about fatigue.2 PDC clinicians do not diagnose or prescribe. An ESSA accredited exercise physiologist works alongside that team on the exercise itself. The Australian position statement, which covers adults with mild to moderate disability, recommends at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic exercise twice a week, strengthening of the major muscles affected by MS twice a week, and extra balance training for people with poor balance.3
MS fatigue is not ordinary tiredness. MS Australia describes it as coming on more rapidly, lasting longer and taking longer to recover from, It is managed by pacing and prioritising, and both cardio and resistance training are supported as part of that.2 Many people with MS react to heat, and hot weather, exercise, fever, saunas and hot tubs can set symptoms off. A heat sensitivity flare up will not cause permanent damage. Exercise somewhere cool or shady, take breaks often, and try a cold shower first.4 New symptoms lasting more than 24 hours may be a relapse, and sudden FAST signs mean calling 000 even if they pass.5,6
PHOTO NEEDED · Add a Hero Image to this condition in the CMS: a PDC clinician with a client, natural light, no identifiable health information on screen
Symptoms are a guide, not a diagnosis. Your GP confirms the diagnosis; our team helps you manage it day to day.
The teams and services that most often support people with this condition. They work from one shared plan, and one GP referral reaches all of them.
This page follows the Exercise and Sports Science Australia position statement on exercise for people with mild to moderate multiple sclerosis (2021), with condition and symptom information from Healthdirect Australia and MS Australia.
Australian guidance recommends exercise for people with mild to moderate MS. The Exercise and Sports Science Australia position statement suggests at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic exercise twice a week plus strengthening of the major muscles affected by MS twice a week, prescribed by an appropriately qualified professional such as an accredited exercise physiologist. Heat sensitivity and fatigue are planned around rather than ignored.
Many people with MS react to heat, and hot weather, exercise, fever, saunas and hot tubs can bring symptoms on. MS Australia is clear that a heat sensitivity flare up will not cause you permanent damage, and symptoms settle as you cool down. Exercising in a cool or shady place, taking breaks often and having a cold shower beforehand all help.
MS fatigue usually comes on more rapidly, lasts longer and takes longer to recover from than general tiredness, and it can occur regardless of how much activity you have done. It is managed by using energy efficiently, pacing yourself and prioritising tasks, with exercise as part of that. Your neurologist, MS Nurse or GP is the first person to raise it with.
There is overlap, and at PDC they work together. An accredited exercise physiologist focuses on prescribing and progressing exercise for a long term condition, across aerobic capacity, strength and balance, over weeks and months. Physiotherapy tends to target a specific problem such as stiffness, walking or a painful joint, with hands-on treatment available. Our physiotherapy service is for people aged 16 and over.
MS Australia describes a relapse as symptoms lasting at least 24 hours and separated from the previous relapse by at least 30 days, with no other possible cause such as infection, recent surgery or overheating. Contact your neurologist, MS Nurse or GP the same day. We will hold or modify your exercise program while that is being sorted out.
Tell us what is going on and we will point you to the right discipline, or to more than one. Most people start with a single appointment and leave with a plan the rest of the team can see.
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