Multiple Sclerosis walking rehab TAKEAWAYS:
- Feb 16
- 2 min read
Multiple Sclerosis walking rehab TAKEAWAYS: Breathing:
This is usually one of the first things people forget when they are learning to walk again, usually due a combination of the fear of falling and the concentration it takes using muscles that have been inactive for a long time. Notice that Rob reminds Nat to breathe - something we do often - this sends a signal to the nervous system that it is ‘safe’ (not always easy when you’re being electrocuted!)
Squeezing:
Most MS clients will have one side of their body that is more effected - reminders to contract the less dominant side helps Nat to remember she is now able to use the side that has been weaker. Rob and Nat did a lot of foundational work to increase the voluntary control over this side before they started to implement this into walking rehab. At one point, the side that had been weaker previously started to overtake her stronger side (the side less effected by MS) so they needed to find a good middle ground to keep her balanced. This is why we are often walking slowly during these first stages - there is a LOT to think about.
Unpicking old patterns:
This will take time. The brain is an efficiency machine - it has allowed Nat to move in the most efficient way possible, especially as the MS has progressed. But now, we are working on correct mechanics, which in the long run will benefit her walking, stability and gait. It takes a lot of active effort (and mental effort) to change patterns that have been present for a long time.
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