Physiotherapy management of multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory and neurodegenerative disease characterised by physical and cognitive symptoms that result in disability and reduced social participation. The prevalence of MS is accelerating worldwide. 1 The number of Australians with MS increased by 13.3% (to 37, 757) between 2021 and 2024, resulting in a total cost increase from AU$2.5 to over $3 billion. 2 MS is the leading cause of neurological disability in young adults, particularly women. 3,4<br/><br/>Physiotherapy management encompasses symptom management and encouragement of optimal behaviours, particularly, the promotion of regular physical activity to prevent secondary symptoms and comorbidities. This review focuses primarily on adult-onset MS and summarises the most common impairments, research evidence on interventions typically used in physiotherapy management of MS, and implications for research and practice. There are important considerations for physiotherapists working in neurology, as well as for those working in community health, geriatrics, paediatrics and women’s health.