Understanding and managing spasticity and spasms in MS

Send us a message about the podcast. For questions about MS please contact our helpline 0800 032 38 39Spasticity and spasms are common MS symptoms that vary from person to person and can be challenging to understand and manage.  In this episode, we explore how these symptoms can feel with the help of our MS community and what you can do about them.  We asked MS specialist physiotherapist Wendy Hendrie to share her near 40 years of experience with us.  We are very glad we did, because we learned such a huge amount. In fact, so much so that we can almost guarantee you will too in the next hour.  And this know-how could make a real difference to the way you understand and approach your spasticity and spasms.  She breaks these complex symptoms down in a way that’s easy to follow. She explores trigger factors, including pain – even pain you can’t feel due to loss of sensation – bladder and bowels, posture and positioning including pelvis alignment and head movement. Plus exercise, night spasms and the importance of getting medication reviews especially if you haven’t seen your MS team in a while.Episode notesSpasticity and spasms - MS Trust informationWhat do MS spasticity and muscle spasms feel like? - MS Trust informationManaging spasticity and spasms - MS Trust informationDownload or order our free book on Managing spasticity and spasms - MS Trust informationLearn what may be triggering your spasticity and spasmsThrower B et al.Recognition, Description, and Variability of Spasticity in Individuals With Multiple Sclerosis and Potential Barriers to Clinician-Patient Dialogue: Results From SEEN-MSS, a Large-Scale, Self-Reported SurveyInternational Journal of MS Care. 2024; 26 (2): 75-80SummaryPeer support: join our MS Trust Facebook community (public group)Peer support: join our Advanced MS Care and Support Facebook community (private group) Spoon theory explanation video