All photography provided by Jared Chambers

Protect your brain with medicine from inside and out.

What is multiple sclerosis?

Multiple sclerosis is a neurological autoimmune condition where one’s immune system begins attacking the myelin on our nerves. Myelin is a coating on our nerves that accelerate and improve their function. When myelin is damaged, our nerve performance declines, leading to changes in our strength, balance, control, sensation, and cognition. People’s experience with multiple sclerosis differs substantially, involving different combination of these functions and progressing at different rates.

Why does it happen?

It is not well understood what causes the mechanism of MS. The leading theories involving genetic changes that are activated by environmental factors such as viral exposure.

Does it get better?

As a progressive neurological disease, the condition tends to get worse over time. But with good medical management, physical therapy, nutrition and life style, the progression can be slowed dramatically. Persons who are first diagnosed with MS typically have experienced some decline in performance. They typically improve substantially through physical therapy, regaining some of their performance capacity as they learn new movement methods, strategies, and exercises.

What should i do?

One of the main goals of multiple sclerosis management is to prevent flare ups and slow the disease progression. It’s crucial that you seek a physician familiar with management of multiple sclerosis. Proper medical management goes a long way towards reducing or preventing flare ups of multiple sclerosis. Proper medical management can prolong the time that MS is in remission without flareups.

There are also life style changes and nutritional changes that can improve your life. There are new research suggesting link between dietary inflammation and irritation to multiple sclerosis. Extreme heat exposure can contribute to MS flare ups so staying cool can be helpful. Speak with your neurologist and physician to learn about all your options. Or call us if you would like a recommendation for a neurologist who specializes in multiple sclerosis.

What can we do to help?

Here comes the good news! Exercise has been shown to be effective for improving the lives of people living with multiple sclerosis. Core strengthening has been shown to helpful. Taichi exercises have been shown to improve one’s balance and posture. Qigong improves your stress management and energy level. We combine all of these things with physical therapy techniques to improve your stiffness, mobility, strength, and discomfort.

• Taichi - Gentle exercises to improve your posture and balance.

• Qigong - Gentle breathing exercises to improve your energy level & emotional health

• PNF Stretching - Stretches utilizing your neuromuscular system to cause your stiff muscles to relax

• Gait training - Specific practice to improve balance, speed, curbs, and turns during walking.

• Strengthening - Simple strength exercises improve your muscle capacity without overly fatiguing you.

• Aerobic exercise - Aerobic exercise has been shown to be neuroprotective for your brain and nerves.

• And much more! Multiple sclerosis management here is holistic and comprehensive. After your evaluation, your therapist can explain to you the essential components of your program. Exercises have a neuroprotective effect. Exercise is like a medicine that you generate from within, to supplement the medication that your physician prescribes.

How long will it take?

Each visit is 45 minutes to an hour.

How much does it cost?

We are in network with most PPO insurances and medicare. We also accept worker's compensation claims and automotive injury claims. You will be responsible for your insurance deductible and copay. We can contact your insurer to find out details for you but it is always recommended that you speak your your insurance company to verify as sometimes their database can be out of date.

Do you take insurance?

We are in network with most PPO insurances and medicare. We also accept worker's compensation claims and automotive injury claims. You will be responsible for your insurance deductible and copay. We can contact your insurer to find out details for you but it is always recommended that you speak your your insurance company to verify as sometimes their database can be out of date.

DOES the treatment hurt?

No. Multiple sclerosis treatment primarily entails exercise and stretching in various manners. You should be and will be tired, and you may be sore from exercising but it is not painful.

Are you sure this will work?

Multiple sclerosis can be very challenging to manage. But typically there is always room for improvement in how you are feeling and how you are doing. It is a hard thing to be experiencing but all the more reason for us to find courage together and face the challenges ahead together.