STADS Physiotherapy
Multiple sclerosis
Specialist in treating MS-related symptoms Helps you stay independent for as long as possible Advises family members and carers
or call 040 – 311 1151 / 013 – 303 0361
No referral neededSeen within 48 hoursContracts with all health insurers
What is multiple sclerosis?
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease of the central nervous system: the brain, the spinal cord and the optic nerves. These nerves are wrapped in an insulating layer called myelin.
With MS, inflammation develops in that myelin, so the nerves don’t work properly. This can cause all kinds of symptoms: sensation is disturbed, strength drops away, or pain sets in. We don’t know what causes the inflammation.
An unpredictable course
The inflammation comes and goes, so symptoms are worse in some periods than in others. Sometimes it’s so severe that nerves are permanently damaged.
That changing course makes planning difficult. You don’t really know what you’ll be able to manage next week, and for many people that’s harder than the symptoms themselves.
What does the physiotherapist do?
MS can’t be cured. But there’s a lot that can be done about what you’re able to do and keep up. We work on strength, fitness, balance and walking, and on spreading your energy over the day.
That last point is often the most important. Fatigue is one of the most limiting symptoms of MS, and with a good build-up and pacing it really can be managed.
Exercising with MS
For a long time, exercise was thought to be harmful with MS. That view is outdated: carefully dosed training is safe and helps, as long as you avoid overheating and build up gradually.
Heat can temporarily make symptoms worse. So it’s better to train in a cool room and drink plenty – that won’t solve it, but it makes a big difference.
Member of MS Zorg Nederland
We’re part of the MS Zorg Nederland network, in which physiotherapists who specialise in MS work together. See also our partnerships.
What symptoms does MS cause?
Symptoms depend on where in the central nervous system the inflammation occurs. Think of disturbed sensation, coordination problems, weakness, pain, poorer vision, memory problems, sexual problems and so on.
How is MS diagnosed?
MS is diagnosed by a neurologist, who uses a physical examination, an MRI scan of the brain and, in some cases, a lumbar puncture, among other things. A diagnosis of MS can eventually be made once it has been shown that inflammation has occurred in several places in the central nervous system and at several moments in time, and that it can’t be explained by anything other than MS.
What types of MS are there?
Two features matter here: whether there are sudden deteriorations (called relapses or attacks) and whether there is a gradual decline in functioning (progression of the disease). Based on these features, 4 types of MS are distinguished:
- Relapsing-remitting MS
- Relapsing-progressive MS
- Secondary progressive MS
- Primary progressive MS
Physiotherapy for MS?
The physiotherapist can help limit the functional effects of MS by keeping your musculoskeletal system working as well as possible. This may mean keeping you as ‘trained’ as possible, or giving specific treatment when a relapse makes you (temporarily) less mobile. The aim is to keep you independent for as long as possible.
Am I insured for physiotherapy for MS?
MS is a chronic condition for which physiotherapy is covered by the basic insurance. This only applies after the first 20 treatments. The first 20 treatments are paid from your supplementary insurance (if you have it and it covers enough) or are at your own expense.
For more information, contact your health insurer, or call STADS. We’re happy to help you look into it.
Questions first?
Rather talk to someone first?
Not sure if we can help, or have a question about your treatment or reimbursement? Feel free to get in touch.
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