The Importance of Neurological Physiotherapy for People with Multiple Sclerosis — and How Physio‑Led Pilates Might Help

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex neurological condition that affects the central nervous system, often causing challenges with balance, coordination, strength, mobility, and fatigue. While MS affects each person differently, one consistent finding in modern research is that neurological physiotherapy plays a vital role in improving function and maintaining independence.

At Perkins Physiotherapy & Pilates in Adamstown, Newcastle, we have over 20 years experience in helping people with MS build strength, move with confidence, and improve their quality of life using tailored neurological physiotherapy and physio‑led Pilates programs. Below, we explore why neurological physiotherapy is essential—and how Pilates fits into a modern, evidence‑based MS care plan.

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Why Neurological Physiotherapy Is Essential for People Living with MS

1. Improving Mobility, Balance, and Walking Ability

Mobility and balance difficulties are among the most common symptoms of MS. Neurological physiotherapy provides targeted exercise, gait retraining, strength work, and movement strategies to reduce falls and increase confidence.

A major 2024 systematic review found that structured exercise programs significantly improve balance (BBS), walking ability, walking endurance, and overall mobility in people with MS. [jnnp.bmj.com]

Additional research from 2024 highlighted that neurological physiotherapy improves gait and balance, with benefits lasting even longer when combined with adjunct treatments like noninvasive brain stimulation. [jnursrcp.com]

2. Reducing Fatigue

Fatigue is one of the most disabling symptoms of MS. A 2025 network meta‑analysis confirmed that therapy‑based exercise interventions—particularly resistance training—effectively reduce fatigue and are superior to conventional care alone. [msard-journal.com]

Neurological physiotherapists also teach pacing, energy conservation, and movement efficiency strategies.

3. Supporting Neuroplasticity and Long‑Term Function

Neurological physiotherapy helps the nervous system adapt by reinforcing efficient movement patterns. Evidence from 2025 shows that neurological physiotherapy improves mobility, reduces spasticity, and may lessen long‑term disability when started early. [neurology.org]

At Perkins Physiotherapy & Pilates, early intervention and consistent support form the backbone of MS management.

How Physio‑Led Pilates Can Help People with MS

Pilates is increasingly recognised as an effective, low‑impact, highly adaptable exercise method for people with MS. When delivered by a neurological physiotherapist, Pilates becomes an even more targeted and clinically effective tool.

1. Improving Balance, Coordination, and Functional Mobility

A 2024 systematic review of Clinical Pilates found improvements in balance, gait, functional capacity, cognitive capacity, and overall quality of life for adults with MS.

In addition, a 2024 pilot trial of seated Pilates demonstrated functional gains even for people with moderate–severe MS, showing its accessibility across disability levels.

2. Supporting Cognitive Function and Dual‑Task Performance

Cognitive challenges and multitasking difficulties are common in MS. A 2025 randomised controlled study showed that online Pilates significantly improved cognitive functions (MoCA scores) and dual‑task performance, enhancing balance, walking, and functional mobility.

This demonstrates Pilates’ role not just in physical, but cognitive rehabilitation.

3. Improving Quality of Life

A 2025 narrative review found that Pilates improves quality of life in most studied cases, highlighting its value as a therapeutic exercise modality.

4. Effective for Managing Balance and Reducing Falls

Balance impairment and falls are common in MS. An MS Trust review in 2025 found strong evidence that Pilates helps address balance and reduces fall risk, with better compliance than many other exercise types.

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How Perkins Physiotherapy & Pilates Supports People with MS

At Perkins Physiotherapy & Pilates (Adamstown, Newcastle), neurological physiotherapy and physio‑led Pilates work together to create a comprehensive, personalised program. Our services include:

• Neurological physiotherapy assessments

• Strength, balance, and gait retraining

• Individualised exercise therapy

• Fatigue‑management and pacing strategies

• Falls‑prevention and mobility retraining

• Physio‑led Pilates (mat, equipment, seated or standing)

• Home programs and regular progress reviews

Every treatment plan is shaped around your symptoms, goals, and daily activities.

Our senior physiotherapist has completed additional training with the Australian Physiotherapy and Pilates Institute (APPI), earning full certification as a Clinical Pilates instructor.

With over 20 years of experience supporting people living with MS, she blends her in‑depth clinical knowledge with Pilates expertise to create balanced, effective, and highly personalised programs. The result? Thoughtful, research‑informed sessions designed to improve strength, mobility, and overall confidence in movement.

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Final Thoughts

Neurological physiotherapy is essential in managing MS—improving movement, reducing fatigue, supporting neuroplasticity, and enhancing long‑term independence. Research increasingly shows that exercise‑based neurological therapy is safe, effective, and a crucial component of MS care.

Physio‑led Pilates adds further benefits, supporting balance, cognitive function, mobility, strength, and quality of life.

If you’re living with MS and seeking supportive, experienced care, Perkins Physiotherapy & Pilates in Adamstown, Newcastle is here to guide you every step of the way.

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Citations

1. Effects of exercise on fatigue and quality of life in multiple sclerosis: a network meta‑analysis and systematic review. Journal of Neurology, 2025.[msard-journal.com]

2. Physical therapy benefits in MS may be boosted by noninvasive brain stimulation. Multiple Sclerosis News Today, 2024.[jnursrcp.com]

3. Physical Therapy Guide to Multiple Sclerosis. Choose PT.[msard-journal.com]

4. Effects of exercise in people with multiple sclerosis: a systematic review and meta‑analysis. Frontiers in Public Health, 2024.[jnnp.bmj.com]

5. The Benefits of Physical Therapy for Multiple Sclerosis. PhysioSource Physical Therapy, 2024.[analesmedicosabc.com]

6. Is physiotherapy indicated for Multiple Sclerosis? Dr Oracle, 2025.[neurology.org]

7. The effects of online Pilates training on cognitive functions and dual task performance in people with multiple sclerosis: A randomized controlled study. Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders, 2025.

8. Effect of an Internet‑Based Pilates Telerehabilitation Intervention in People With Multiple Sclerosis: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Research Protocols, 2025.

9. The effectiveness of therapeutic Clinical Pilates in adult patients with MS: a systematic review. International Journal of Clinical Trials, 2024.

10. Pilates: is it effective in treating balance issues in people with MS? MS Trust Conference Presentation, 2025.

11. Evaluating the Impact of Seated Pilates on Functional Outcomes Among Those With Mild, Moderate, and Severe MS Impairment: A Pilot Feasibility Trial. Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly, 2024.

12. Effects of Pilates exercises on quality of life in patients with multiple sclerosis: A narrative review. Journal of Nursing Reports in Clinical Practice, 2025.