Multiple Sclerosis Physiotherapy in Burlington: Evidence-Based Care at Cogent Rehab

Cogent Rehab Blog

Folarin Babatunde PT PhD MScSEM MScPT BScPT

September 16, 2025

Introduction

With an estimated 90,000 Canadians living with multiple sclerosis (MS), Canada has one of the highest rates of MS worldwide. Every day, approximately 12 Canadians are newly diagnosed, most between the ages of 20 and 49. MS is unpredictable, lifelong, and often life-altering. That’s why working with knowledgeable health professionals, including neurological physiotherapists, is essential for improving quality of life.

Neurological physiotherapy helping multiple sclerosis patient manage household tasks at home

What Is Multiple Sclerosis?

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic, immune-mediated condition that affects the central nervous system (CNS) — the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. The immune system mistakenly attacks the protective myelin sheath around nerve fibers, causing inflammation and demyelination. This disrupts communication between the brain and body, leading to symptoms that vary from person to person.

Common MS symptoms include:

• Fatigue and weakness

• Tingling or numbness

• Vision problems

• Poor coordination and balance

• Cognitive and mood changes

• Bladder or bowel dysfunction

While there is no cure, physiotherapy, medication, and lifestyle strategies can help manage symptoms and preserve independence.

Who Is Most at Risk?

Factors linked to higher MS risk include:

• Age: Diagnosis often occurs between ages 20–50.

• Genetics: Family history raises risk, though MS is not directly inherited.

• Geography: Higher prevalence in countries further from the equator.

• Ethnicity: More common in those with northern European ancestry but affects all ethnic groups.

• Lifestyle factors: Smoking, obesity, low vitamin D, and Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) exposure increase risk.

Signs and Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis

Symptoms vary widely and may come and go. Some common challenges reported by patients with multiple sclerosis treated with physiotherapy includes:

• MS Hug (dysesthesia): Tight, squeezing chest or torso sensation.

• Bladder & bowel issues: Urinary urgency, constipation.

• Cognitive changes: Memory and concentration difficulties.

• Depression & emotional changes: Common due to neurological and lifestyle impact.

• Spasticity: Muscle stiffness, cramps, and spasms.

• Walking difficulties: Unsteadiness, fatigue, foot drop.

• Vision problems: Blurred or double vision, optic neuritis.

• Tremors and weakness: May affect daily activities.

Physiotherapist supporting a patient with multiple sclerosis during balance training

Types of Multiple Sclerosis

There are four recognized types of MS:

1. Clinically Isolated Syndrome (CIS): First neurological episode lasting ≥24 hours.

2. Relapsing-Remitting MS (RRMS): Most common form (85% of cases) with flare-ups and periods of remission.

3. Secondary Progressive MS (SPMS): Symptoms worsen over time after initial RRMS stage.

4. Primary Progressive MS (PPMS): Gradual decline in neurological function from the onset.

Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis Disease Course

Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis Disease Course

SPMS—following an initial relapsing remitting course, the disease becomes more steadily progressive, with or without relapses

RRMS—episodes of acute worsening of neurologic functioning (new symptoms or the worsening of existing symptoms) with total or partial recovery and no apparent progression of disease.

Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis Disease Course

PPMS—steadily worsening neurologic function from the onset of symptoms without initial relapses or remissions

Can Multiple Sclerosis Be Prevented?

MS cannot be fully prevented, but the risk may be reduced by doing the following:

• Quitting smoking

• Maintaining a healthy weight

• Increasing vitamin D (diet or safe sun exposure)

• Staying active (150 minutes of moderate activity per week)

• Managing stress and sleep

How Physiotherapy Helps with Multiple sclerosis in Burlington

At Cogent Physical Rehabilitation Center in Burlington, our physiotherapists help people with MS:

• Improve mobility, walking, and balance

• Reduce spasticity and fatigue

• Enhance posture and coordination

• Adapt daily activities to maintain independence

• Prevent falls and improve safety

Evidence-Based Interventions

• Therapeutic Exercise: Strengthening, stretching, aerobic conditioning

• Balance Training: Core stability, vestibular rehab, and task-oriented practice

• Aquatic Therapy: Safe, buoyant environment that reduces joint stress and overheating

• Aerobic Training: Treadmill, bike, or rowing for endurance and mood support

• Strength Training: Focus on large lower-limb muscle groups to preserve walking function

• Virtual Reality (VR) Training: Engaging technology to boost motivation and participation

Call to Action

Living with MS doesn’t mean giving up your independence. At Cogent Physical Rehabilitation Center in Burlington, we provide personalized multiple sclerosis physiotherapy in Burlington designed to help you stay active, reduce symptoms, and improve your quality of life following a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis.

Visit us at 3077 New Street, Suites 300-302, Burlington, Ontario

Call us today: (905) 635-4422

Email: contactus@cogentrehab.com

Learn more about our Neurological Physiotherapy Services and Senior Care Physiotherapy Programs.

Book An Appointment Today

FAQs About Multiple Sclerosis Physiotherapy

Q1: Can physiotherapy stop MS from progressing?

No, physiotherapy cannot stop progression, but it helps slow disability, improve mobility, and maintain

independence.

Q2: How often should people with MS do physiotherapy?

Frequency depends on symptoms, but many benefit from 2–3 sessions weekly, plus a tailored home exercise plan.

Q3: Does exercise worsen MS fatigue?

No. With proper pacing, exercise reduces fatigue and improves daily energy.

Q4: Can physiotherapy help during a relapse?

Yes. Targeted rehab supports faster recovery and helps prevent long-term disability after a relapse.

Sources

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3. Fernandez O et al. Managing multiple sclerosis in individuals aged 55 and above: a comprehensive review. Front Immunol. 2024;15:1379538.

4. Harrison AM et al. Which exercises and behavioural interventions show most promise for treating fatigue in multiple sclerosis? A network meta-analysis. Mult Scler J. 2021;27:1657-1678.

5. Learmonth YC et al. Safety of exercise training in multiple sclerosis: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis. Mult Scler J. 2023;29:1604-1631.

6. Binshalan T, Nair KPS and McNeill A. The Effectiveness of Physiotherapy Interventions for Mobility in Severe Multiple Sclerosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Mult Scler J. 2022;2357785.

7. Duan H, Jing Y, Li Y, Lian Y, Li J and Li Z. Rehabilitation treatment of multiple sclerosis. Front Immunol 2023;14:1168821

8. Kim Y, Lai B, Mehta T, Thirumalai M, Padalabalanarayanan S, Rimmer JH, Motl RW. Exercise Training Guidelines for Multiple Sclerosis, Stroke, and Parkinson Disease: Rapid Review and Synthesis. Am J Phys Med Rehabil. 2019;98:613-621.

9. Truijen S et al. Effect of home-based virtual reality training and telerehabilitation on balance in individuals with Parkinson disease, multiple sclerosis, and stroke: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Neurol Sci. 2022;43:2995-3006.

10. Amatya B Khan F and Galea M. Exercise Interventions for Improving Flexibility in People with Multiple Sclerosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2019;1:CD012732