Do you have a loved one with Multiple Sclerosis? Or maybe you’ve been diagnosed and wondering if physiotherapy would help? I want to tell you about one of our amazing patients so read on!

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Physiotherapy Case Study: Simon

Simon is a fantastic 56 year old gentleman who lives at home with his wife and daughter. He came looking for some physio at home to help him manage his symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Simon was diagnosed with MS over 25 years ago, and as a result, developed severe weakness.

This decline in his strength and mobility has resulted in Simon spending the last 15 years in a wheelchair, unable to walk. Simon also complained that he fatigued quickly and would get tired doing basic chores around the house and garden.

Despite his diagnosis and the battles with health he has been through, he is full of beans! Simon can be the life and soul of the party and never fails to bring a smile and a great attitude to everything he does!

What is MS?

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a condition of the central nervous system. It interferes with nerve impulses within the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves.

It is characterised by scars forming within the central nervous system and depending on where they develop, manifest into a variety of symptoms. No two people with MS will have the same symptoms.

Over 25,000 people in Australia are affected with MS and approximately three times more women than men are diagnosed.

Some of the main symptoms of MS can be:

1. Reduced motor control which can result in weakness, muscle spasms, reduced co-ordination and balance
2. Fatigue
3. Neurological symptoms such as vertigo and visual disturbances
4. Continence problems
5. Neuropsychological symptoms including depression, memory loss, and reduced cognition.

Why physio?

Simon told us that due to NDIS funding becoming available he started to think that maybe he could access physiotherapy services again. He had not had any physio for around 20 years as it was too difficult to get to appointments. Simon decided that having physio at home would be the best option for him if it was possible – and so he found My Mobile Physio! Simon wasn’t sure what he wanted from physio initially. He did however know that he wanted to get stronger and prevent any further deterioration in his ability to function at home and live a full and independent life.

The hard work begins!

Over the past 18 months the MMP team have been travelling to Simon’s house for weekly rehabilitation sessions.  In the early days it was obvious Simon was deconditioned and weak so we started with a simple leg strengthening program in his wheelchair. Quickly, Simon became stronger, and before we knew it we were trying to get Simon standing with the support of a walking frame.

At this stage Simon set himself a new goal! His daughter had recently got engaged and is due to marry next year. It is Simon’s greatest wish that he walk his daughter down the aisle. Through hard work and sheer determination, Simon is now able to walk short distances with a walking frame. He has not walked for over 15 years so this is a monumental achievement! And even beyond what we had initially hoped for Simon.

What now?

The hard work continues. We now see Simon twice a week and work vigorously on a wide range of exercises including boxing, weight training, core strengthening, mobilising, and stretching to manage the symptoms of his MS, as well as improve his overall fitness. He is the strongest, fittest and most mobile he has been in a very long time! And he is very much looking forward to the day he gets to walk his daughter down the aisle to be married.

We are so excited to help Simon live a full and independent life. With motivation and a helping hand from your physio it’s amazing what you can achieve!

MS Australia

MS Australia is the national peak body for Australians living with MS and they work closely with the state MS societies to help you connect with the right support services. Click this link to find out more https://www.msaustralia.org.au/support-services