What to expect from MS rehabilitation

Rehabilitation and MS

For many people with MS, pharmacological therapies alone are not enough to address symptoms or, in some cases, disease progression. Rehabilitation is part of the comprehensive management of MS. It focuses on function and adds non-pharmacological strategies to MS care.  

Rehabilitation in MS aims to encourage autonomy and improve the quality of life. Rehabilitation uses goal-oriented programmes and involves people living with MS in deciding on their treatment priorities. For example, an individual may want help moving around, remembering things better, or feeling less fatigued.  

‘Rehabilitation is a vital part of living well with MS. While MS has no cure, rehabilitation offers strategies and support that help people stay active, independent, and connected. It empowers individuals and their caregivers with practical tools to manage symptoms, protect quality of life, and continue daily activities with confidence.’ – Rami Ayach, Board Member of MSIF and member of MSIF’s International Resources Working Group, Lebanon 

A guide from the National MS Society, USA  

What to Expect From Rehabilitation Care: A Guide for People With MS, is a comprehensive booklet published by the National MS Society in 2023. It’s designed to inform, reassure, and empower people living with MS through their rehabilitation journey.   

The guide begins by defining core concepts and emphasises how tailored rehabilitation supports daily functioning across personal, professional, and social life. The booklet breaks down the multidisciplinary rehabilitation team, including neurologists, physiatrists, physical and occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, mental-health professionals, nurses, social workers, pharmacists, and family and caregivers. It highlights that the person with MS is at the centre of this team.   

The resource also walks readers through what to expect during a rehabilitation evaluation, from mobility and balance assessments to evaluating cognition, speech, daily routines, and emotional well-being. It helps to set expectations and improve understanding of the rehabilitation process. 

The guide identifies and explores some of the barriers people face when accessing rehabilitation. Offering practical suggestions to overcome these challenges.   

The booklet illustrates the real-world impact of rehabilitation through three examples of MS rehabilitation. The examples show how rehab teams help individuals maintain independence, stay engaged in their passions and work, and manage symptoms across different life stages.  

Why this guide matters for global MS communities  

Bridging the Global Information Gap   

In some places people with MS and MS organisations lack access to clear, culturally adaptable information on rehabilitation. This topic was identified as a global information gap by MSIF members in 2017 and 2021. This guide offers a structured and easy to understand blueprint explaining rehabilitation care. MSIF’s members can adapt this framework to address their local realities.  

Whilst some of the information is specific to the USA, the majority of the advice can be applied internationally or adapted to an international audience.   

Empowering people with MS worldwide

By defining roles, expectations, and actionable steps, this guide equips individuals to take charge of their rehabilitation care. From building a team to navigating barriers and advocating for services, the guide provides clear information. Although it was developed in the USA, people with MS anywhere can apply these learnings. 

Making the guide more accessible: A call for translation

The guide is currently available in English and Spanish. MSIF and the National MS Society invite MSIF members to translate or adapt this resource for local use. By doing so, you can make vital information accessible to more people with MS.

You can use it in your country by translating the guide and tailoring it to reflect your country’s services, cultural context, and lived experiences. Adaptations might include adding local case studies, highlighting regional support networks, and ensuring the language remains clear, supportive, and empowering within your context.

If you are interested in translating this resource, please reach out to us at info@msif.org

Shahdar from Malaysia was admitted to Cheras Rehabilitation Hospital for a month of therapy. That month turned things around for him and shows that psychosocial support is as important for MS patients after diagnosis as drug treatment: ‘I changed from being really down to being super positive. It was a wonderful experience. I want to share with those diagnosed with MS, don’t feel down and do think positively. Yes, with MS our activities are limited, but we must try to find a hobby that suits our condition now. When I attended counselling during my rehab I was advised to find a new hobby that could help me to express myself, so I would not keep everything inside. Keeping the pressure inside us can make us more stressed.’

Norzey from Malaysia spent around two years recieving rehabilitation at Cheras Rehabilitation Hospital for physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy.