How Does Multiple Sclerosis Affect Movement, and Can Physiotherapy Help?

How Does Multiple Sclerosis Affect Movement, and Can Physiotherapy Help?

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurological condition that can affect how the brain and nerves communicate with the rest of the body. Because of this, symptoms can vary widely from person to person and may change over time.

Common challenges include fatigue, muscle weakness, stiffness, balance difficulties, and changes in sensation. These symptoms can make everyday activities more demanding and impact overall independence.

At Relive Physiotherapy, treatment focuses on supporting your movement, managing symptoms, and helping you stay as active and independent as possible, using tailored rehabilitation alongside approaches such as Stimpod therapy.

How Does MS Affect Movement?

MS can interfere with the signals sent between the brain and muscles. As a result, movement may feel less controlled or more effortful than before.

Some people experience muscle tightness or spasticity, while others notice weakness or reduced coordination. Balance can also be affected, increasing the risk of falls.

Because symptoms can fluctuate, it's important to have a flexible approach to treatment that adapts to your current needs and energy levels.

What Role Does Physiotherapy Play in MS?

Physiotherapy plays an important role in helping people with MS maintain strength, mobility, and confidence in movement.

Treatment is highly individualised and may include exercises to improve strength and balance, strategies to manage fatigue, and guidance on maintaining safe and efficient movement patterns.

The aim is not only to address symptoms, but also to support long-term function and quality of life.

How Can Stimpod Therapy Support People with MS?

Because MS affects the nervous system, treatments that help support nerve function may be beneficial as part of a wider rehabilitation plan.

Stimpod therapy works by stimulating nerve pathways externally, which may help improve how signals are processed and reduce abnormal nerve sensitivity. When used alongside physiotherapy, it may help:

• Support improved muscle activation and control
• Reduce feelings of stiffness or tightness
• Improve movement efficiency
• Assist with managing sensory-related symptoms

While responses vary between individuals, it can be a useful tool in helping the body respond more effectively during rehabilitation.

What Happens During a Stimpod Session?

A typical session lasts 10-20 minutes. Small electrodes are placed along nerve pathways related to the symptoms being treated. The sensation is usually described as gentle pulsing or tapping, and the therapy is generally well-tolerated. Some individuals feel immediate relief, while others notice gradual improvements over several sessions.

There is no downtime, and treatment can safely be combined with physiotherapy, medication, and other MS management strategies.

Is MS Managed with a Long-Term Approach?

Because MS is a long-term condition, physiotherapy focuses on ongoing management rather than a single short-term solution.

The goal is to help you maintain function, adapt to changes in symptoms, and continue doing the activities that matter most to you.

Even small improvements in strength, balance, or energy management can make a meaningful difference to daily life over time.

Get Support Tailored to Your Needs

If you're living with multiple sclerosis and looking for ways to manage symptoms and improve mobility, having the right support can make a real difference.

At Relive Physiotherapy, we provide individualised treatment that combines expert physiotherapy with approaches like Stimpod therapy to help you move with greater confidence and control.

Get in touch today to discuss how we can support you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can physiotherapy help with MS symptoms like fatigue and stiffness?
Yes. Physiotherapy is highly individualised for MS and may include exercises to improve strength and balance, strategies to manage fatigue, and guidance on safe, efficient movement patterns.

Is Stimpod therapy safe to use alongside MS medication?
Yes. Stimpod therapy is non-invasive with no downtime, and can safely be combined with physiotherapy, medication, and other MS management strategies.

Does physiotherapy replace my neurologist or MS care team?
No. Physiotherapy works alongside your neurologist and wider MS care team, not instead of them. Ongoing medical management of MS remains essential, while physiotherapy focuses on supporting movement, strength, and day-to-day function.

How long does a Stimpod session take?
A typical session lasts 10-20 minutes, with small electrodes placed along the nerve pathways related to the symptoms being treated.

Does treatment need to change as MS symptoms fluctuate?
Yes. Because MS symptoms can vary and change over time, treatment takes a flexible approach that adapts to your current needs and energy levels, rather than following a fixed plan.

About the Author:

Mohana Nedunchezian

Lead Physiotherapist, Independent Non-Medical Prescriber and Injection Therapist

Mohana Nedunchezian is a Specialist Physiotherapist at Relive Physiotherapy with over 15 years' experience in Musculoskeletal Medicine. She is a qualified Injection Therapist, an APPI-certified Pilates Physiotherapy Instructor, and trained in Kinesiology taping, Acupuncture, and Bobath techniques.

Mohana holds a Master's degree in Physiotherapy and spent over 10 years as a Specialist Physiotherapist in the NHS before joining Relive Physiotherapy. She has a particular interest in 1:1 Pilates and joint mobilisation techniques, and brings a warm, engaging approach to every session.

Mohana is a member of the Acupuncture Association of Chartered Physiotherapists (AACP) and the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Sports Medicine (ACPSEM).

Outside the clinic, Mohana is a full-time mother to two young children and enjoys music and cooking in her free time.