How Can I Improve My Balance With MS?
- Tom Morgan, Chartered Physiotherapist
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
Updated: 18 hours ago
Balance problems in MS can come from several interacting factors including weakness, altered sensation, coordination changes, fatigue and reduced confidence. Balance training works best when the task is challenging but still safe enough to practise consistently. This article focuses on the rehabilitation and self-management side of the question. It does not replace advice from an MS neurologist, MS nurse, GP or other specialist when symptoms are new, severe or changing.
What does balance mean for rehabilitation?
The starting point is function. Ask what has actually become harder: walking, stairs, standing from a chair, balance, exercise tolerance, getting around outdoors, using the gym or completing a normal day without needing excessive recovery. That gives rehabilitation a measurable target instead of treating the symptom in isolation.
Practical ways to work on it
Create a safe practice area. Keep the starting level realistic and repeatable. In MS, an exercise is only useful if it can be performed with enough control to practise regularly. If fatigue, balance or another symptom changes during the session, reduce the challenge rather than forcing poor-quality repetitions.
Train weight shift and stepping. Keep the starting level realistic and repeatable. In MS, an exercise is only useful if it can be performed with enough control to practise regularly. If fatigue, balance or another symptom changes during the session, reduce the challenge rather than forcing poor-quality repetitions.
Add head turns and direction changes gradually. Keep the starting level realistic and repeatable. In MS, an exercise is only useful if it can be performed with enough control to practise regularly. If fatigue, balance or another symptom changes during the session, reduce the challenge rather than forcing poor-quality repetitions.
Combine balance with leg strength. Keep the starting level realistic and repeatable. In MS, an exercise is only useful if it can be performed with enough control to practise regularly. If fatigue, balance or another symptom changes during the session, reduce the challenge rather than forcing poor-quality repetitions.
How should you measure progress?
It is also reasonable for the goal to be maintenance at times. Preventing avoidable deconditioning, preserving transfer ability or keeping a safe walking routine can be meaningful rehabilitation outcomes in a long-term neurological condition.
Explore the wider MS rehabilitation hub
Can Physiotherapy Help With MS Balance Problems?
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