Physical Health Programs
An exercise program provides an opportunity for people with MS to participate in a therapeutic recreational activity while gaining physical, emotional and social benefits. Aquatics and wellness programs promote strength, stamina and flexibility, and helps to prevent or minimize symptomatic complaints such as muscle fatigue, weakness, and spasticism. Participation in aquatics and wellness programs act as a form of stress management and helps to maximize independent functioning.
Benefits of exercise:
- Improves muscle strength and balance
- Increases body awareness
- Increases circulation and reduces spasticism
- Maintains or improves joint flexibility
- Improves overall feeling of well-being
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Increases socialization
Aquatics
Make a splash! Participation in an aquatics program can reduce spastics and maximize muscle strength. It can maintain or increase endurance, flexibility, and range of motion. It can prevent symptoms secondary to MS such as muscle atrophy and joint rigidity. And it's just plain fun! Water is buoyant and cool, making it the perfect exercise medium for people with MS. Everyone can participate. The ability to swim is not required, only the desire to improve yourself, have fun and make friends.
In an ongoing effort, the following referral list has been developed to be used as a resource of wellness related services available in your community. Programs are offered in the community with instructors who have knowledge of MS and related disabilities. Please note, our comments are based on professional advice, published experience and expert opinion, but do not represent individual therapeutic recommendations or prescription. For specific individual advice, and prior to starting any new exercise or nutrition regimen, consult your personal physician.
Before jumping in, always ask these questions of the wellness site:
- Is the facility accessible for someone who has a disability? (i.e. uses a wheelchair, walker, etc.)?
- Do you have accessible parking available?
- How far would I have to walk from the parking lot to the class location?
- What is the water / room temperature (i.e., recommended water temperature is between 80-84 degrees)
- How far is it from the locker room to the pool?
Click here for the dates and locations of aquatics groups near you.
In recognition of the importance of promoting and maintaining a state of wellness in individuals with multiple sclerosis, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society Georgia Chapter may provide financial assistance for specified wellness programs. To qualify, individuals with MS must certify that without a subsidy, the cost of the wellness program would provide undue financial hardship on the individual and their family.
Wellness programs include, but are not limited to aquatic exercise, yoga, stretching, Pilates, and tai chi. Service providers must be employed by licensed facilities and have completed appropriate training. In geographical areas where it may be difficult to obtain services from a provider who has undergone specific MS training, requests will be handled on a case by case basis. Click here to download the wellness application.
For more information contact us at 1-800-FIGHTMS / 678-672-1000.