Keeping you moving, strong and as independent as possible
MS can affect your movement, strength, balance and energy in ways that change over time. Our Physiotherapy services are designed to address these physical and functional challenges to help you maintain your independence, manage your symptoms and keep doing the activities that matter to you. Whatever your goals, our team is here to support you.
What to expect
Our Physiotherapy team includes Physiotherapists and Physiotherapy Assistants with experience supporting people living with MS. Your initial consultation is designed to help us understand your individual needs, goals and daily activities. From there, we'll tailor a plan that works best for you.
Services are available at our Kilkenny Services Centre, via home visits or telehealth across South Australia and the Northern Territory.
Services are available at our Kilkenny Services Centre, via home visits or telehealth across South Australia and the Northern Territory.
Why regular exercise matters
There is a growing body of research supporting the benefits of regular physical activity for people living with a neurological condition. Exercise is an important tool to support long-term health and function. Research shows that regular exercise can:
- Promote the health of nerve cells
- Optimise function by maintaining strength and mobility
- Help manage and reduce fatigue
- Reduce the risk and rate of falls
Exercise has also been shown to support mental health by improving self-esteem, confidence and mood, and reducing anxiety and depression.
Our services
Our Physiotherapy team has experience in the following types of physiotherapy for people living with MS:
Neurological physiotherapy
Neurological physiotherapy focuses on improving mobility, independence and quality of life for people living with MS. Our Physiotherapists offer:
- Comprehensive neurological assessments and ongoing review, including NDIS or aged care intervention reports as required
- Ongoing individualised therapy programs targeting your goals and needs
- Personalised one-on-one sessions and self-managed exercise programs
- Prescription of walking aids, assistive technology equipment trials and acquisition
- Mobility reviews and gait rehabilitation
Exercise therapy options may include:
- Land-based exercise therapy - strengthening, balance and cardiovascular endurance exercises, functional training to assist with daily tasks, stretching and range of motion exercises
- Water-based exercise therapy (hydrotherapy)
- Falls Prevention Program
Please note: We do not provide acute rehabilitation services.
Vestibular physiotherapy
MS can disrupt the vestibular system which is the part of the body responsible for balance, spatial awareness and gaze control. When this happens, symptoms like dizziness, vertigo and unsteadiness can significantly affect daily life and increase the risk of falls.
Our vestibular physiotherapy service is a specialised form of assessment and treatment designed specifically for these symptoms. Using a combination of Repositioning Manoeuvre-based and Exercise-based techniques, your Physiotherapist will work with you to reduce dizziness and vertigo, improve your balance and stability, sharpen gaze control and lower your risk of falling.
Before any treatment begins, your Physiotherapist will carry out a comprehensive assessment covering eye movement, positional responses and a balance and gait assessment, giving them a clear picture of what's driving your symptoms and what treatment approach is most likely to help.
This service may be right for you if you're experiencing any of the following:
- Dizziness or vertigo, whether ongoing or intermittent
- Nystagmus (rapid, involuntary eye movements)
- Sensitivity to motion (e.g during car travel or in busy environments like supermarkets)
-
Frequent feelings of unsteadiness or being off-balance, particularly with head movement, or a history of recurrent falls
Who we support
Our Physiotherapy services are currently available to people living with multiple sclerosis (MS) in South Australia and the Northern Territory. Services are available through:
- Kilkenny Services Centre
- Home visits
- Telehealth (NT Clients)
Whether you've recently been diagnosed or have been living with MS for years, our Physiotherapy team can provide support tailored to your current needs and goals.
Why choose MS Society SA & NT?
Our Physiotherapy team has experience supporting people living with MS and understands how the condition affects physical function in individual and often unpredictable ways.
As part of a multidisciplinary team, our Physiotherapists work alongside Occupational Therapists, Nurses and other allied health professionals to ensure your physical care is coordinated with your broader health and wellbeing.
Services are available at the Kilkenny Services Centre, via home visits or telehealth, giving you flexibility to access the support you need in the way that works best for you.
Frequently asked questions
What can a Physiotherapist help me with?
Our Physiotherapists can help with a wide range of physical and functional challenges related to MS, including mobility and gait, balance and falls prevention, strength and endurance, fatigue management, vestibular symptoms such as dizziness and vertigo, and prescribing walking aids and assistive technology.
What can I expect at my first physiotherapy appointment?
Your first appointment is an initial assessment. Your Physiotherapist will take the time to understand your current level of function, your goals and your day-to-day activities. From there, they'll develop a personalised therapy plan tailored to your needs.
Where can I access physiotherapy services?
Our Physiotherapy services are available at the Kilkenny Services Centre, via home visits or via telehealth across South Australia and the Northern Territory.
Can physiotherapy help with dizziness or balance problems?
Yes. Our vestibular physiotherapy service is specifically designed for people experiencing vestibular symptoms such as dizziness, vertigo or balance difficulties related to MS. Your Physiotherapist will conduct a thorough assessment and develop a treatment plan tailored to your symptoms.
Is physiotherapy suitable for people at all stages of MS?
Yes. Our Physiotherapists support people living with MS at all stages from those newly diagnosed through to those managing more advanced changes in function. Your therapy program will be tailored to where you are now and what you want to achieve.
Do I need a referral to access physiotherapy?
You don't need a referral to reach out to us. You will need to provide a letter of diagnosis or referral from your GP or Neurologist (dated within the last 12 months) as part of the registration process. If you're unsure what's required, just give us a call.
How do I pay for physiotherapy services?
There are a number of ways to fund physiotherapy, including NDIS, Support at Home, Chronic Disease Management Plans (CDMP) and private payment. Our team can help you work out the right option when you get in touch.
Get in touch
To find out more about our services, please complete the form below and we will be in contact with you as soon as possible.
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