Will it make my MS worse?

There is no evidence that exercise makes MS worse in the long-term, or that exercising causes relapses.  

What are the benefits to health and my MS?

Research has suggested that exercise can improve the overall health of people with milder MS and help people with more severe MS to stay as mobile and active as possible.

Exercise can also help some people manage their MS symptoms, such as fatigue, muscle stiffness, balance difficulties, anxiety, depression, and bladder and bowel problems and decrease the risk of heart disease. 

Muscle strength and fitness

If a muscle is not used for long periods it will lose strength and may become painful (known as ‘deconditioning’). This in turn may make any mobility or weakness problems worse. These problems cannot always be avoided completely, as they are symptoms of MS. But, by finding the right exercises, perhaps with the help of a physiotherapist, you can stop problems becoming worse than they need to be.  

Weight gain or loss

Unwanted change in weight is an issue that affects many people with MS. Exercise can help with weight control, especially when combined with a healthy, well-balanced diet. Your GP can also refer you to a dietitian to help with any weight issues you have.  

Osteoporosis

Weakened bones, including osteoporosis, may be a risk for people with MS who do not get much exercise or have taken long courses of steroids. Gentle activity strengthens the bones and can help prevent these problems developing. For example, if you regularly use a wheelchair, a physiotherapist may suggest you stand for a few minutes at regular intervals through the day, perhaps supported by a frame for balance. This is known as ‘weight-bearing exercise’ and can help prevent osteoporosis. There are also exercises that can be done sitting down which can help.  

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