The case for MS physiotherapists

NICE and NSF guidance highlights the value for people living with MS of having timely access to physiotherapy. Among other things, such access enables people to maintain independence by improving symptoms such as fatigue and tremor, and preventing loss of mobility, strength and balance. The National Service Framework for Long-term Conditions, 2005. Department of Health (1). NICE Management of multiple sclerosis in primary and secondary care, November 2003 (2)

	MS physiotherapists can provide timely and focused therapeutic support for people experiencing walking difficulties, muscle spasm and stiffness, swallowing difficulties and muscle weakness, thus maximising potential for independent living.
	In maximising physical ability and capacity for self-management, MS physiotherapists can help to reduce the potential for deterioration and the associated need for additional health and social care services.
	MS physiotherapists are able to prevent unnecessary admissions by providing rapid specialist clinical advice during crisis periods, such as in the case of sudden relapse.
	MS physiotherapists can help to prevent secondary complications, which may lead otherwise to costly hospital admission
	MS physiotherapists are able to facilitate early and appropriate discharge from acute and community hospitals, thus reducing bed days
	MS physiotherapists can provide clinical advice to patients, carers and health and social care professionals, thus maximising clinical outcomes

If you would like to discuss support available from the MS Society please visit the contact page to get in touch with a local service development officer.