When We Move, We Heal: Movement Therapy, Neuroplasticity & MS Recovery
- Aishwariya Farahi
- 39 minutes ago
- 5 min read
Why movement isn’t optional for people with MS and how to start from exactly where you are
When We Move, We Heal
There is a quote I keep on my office wall. It came from a neuroscientist I had the privilege of working with during a neuroplasticity study, and it stopped me in my tracks the first time I heard it:
"You are never too old, you have never had MS too long, and you are never too advanced to implement positive change."
I return to it often — especially on the days when I don’t feel like moving at all. Those days are real. And they’re exactly when it matters most.
Movement Was Always the Foundation
Long before MS took any noticeable toll on my mobility, I was working with movement therapists. Not because something was wrong — but because I understood, even then, that movement was a form of medicine.
I genuinely believe that early commitment is a large part of why any significant mobility compromise was delayed as long as it was. Movement has always been a top-shelf priority for me. It still is today.
Over the years I have worked with remarkable professionals — movement therapists with dance backgrounds who understand the body’s natural patterns in a deeply intuitive way, neurological physiotherapists who have honestly blown my mind, and neuroscientists who have reshaped how I understand the brain.
What I know now is this:
Movement is not one piece of the puzzle. It is the frame the whole picture sits in.
The Bobath Approach: Reeducating the Body
One system that made a particularly strong impression on me is the Bobath concept — also known as neurodevelopmental treatment (NDT). Developed in the 1940s by physiotherapist Berta Bobath and neuropsychiatrist Karl Bobath, it is widely used in neurological rehabilitation today.
In simple terms, Bobath is a hands-on, problem-solving approach to movement reeducation. It works with the nervous system’s ability to adapt — using guided movement to help the body rediscover more efficient, natural patterns.
Rather than avoiding the affected side of the body, it works with it.
A session with a skilled Bobath physiotherapist can feel like a conversation between therapist and nervous system. It has to be experienced to be fully understood.
Neuroplasticity: The Science That Changes Everything
If there is one concept every person with MS should understand deeply, it is neuroplasticity.
This is the brain’s ability to reorganise itself — forming new neural pathways around damage and finding alternative routes.
For those of us with MS, this is not theoretical. It is deeply personal.
I participated in a neuroplasticity study some years ago, and in three months, I improved my walking distance threefold.
Three months.
The key was intentional, repetitive movement — consistent, focused practice that signals the brain to adapt.
“With intentional, repetitive movement, the body can train the brain around areas of damage. This is not theory — for many people, it is lived reality.”
People with MS are getting up out of wheelchairs. It is happening. Not occasionally — but repeatedly, in clinics and homes worldwide.
And the most important truth:
It doesn’t matter how long you’ve had MS or how advanced it feels — positive change is always possible.
What Movement Actually Does for You
We often think of movement only as strength. But for people with MS, it goes far beyond that.
Movement supports:
Nervous system regulation
Muscle preservation
Balance and coordination
Energy efficiency
Brain rewiring through neuroplasticity
Muscles naturally weaken over time, and MS adds additional pressure. Movement is one of the most powerful ways to slow that process.
Stop Throwing Your Hands Up
We live in a culture that has moved far away from daily movement. We sit for long hours, then rest on the sofa, and when MS makes things harder, the instinct is often to say: “I can’t do this anymore.”
That response is understandable. But it is not the only direction.
Because the moment something changes is often the moment to pay closer attention — not withdraw.
This is not about pushing through pain or forcing the body. It is about listening to it and responding wisely.
Start with one minute. Literally one minute of intentional movement is enough to begin.
What Movement Can Look Like (It’s Simpler Than You Think)
Movement does not require a gym, equipment, or even standing.
It can be:
Marching on the spot in your kitchen
Seated movement or wheelchair exercises
Gentle stretching on the floor
Yoga or tai chi
Swimming
Walking to the end of your driveway
A short guided YouTube routine
Any movement is movement.
On strong days, you do more. On difficult days, you do less. Both count.
Working With Professionals (and What If You Can’t)
I strongly recommend working with neurological physiotherapists or movement specialists where possible. They can accelerate understanding in ways that are difficult to achieve alone.
If that’s not accessible right now, there are excellent free resources on YouTube:
MS movement therapy
Neurological physiotherapy exercises
Seated MS workouts
Core strengthening for neurological conditions
A movement buddy can also help — someone who shows up with you, even virtually.
Creating Routines That Hold You
The real foundation is not willpower. It is structure.
Routines remove decision fatigue and make movement part of daily life rather than a negotiation.
It takes time. But the principle is simple:
You show up for your body, and your body responds in kind.
A Final Thought
I have been living with MS for more than forty years. I have worked with movement therapists, neurologists, and neuroplasticity researchers, and I have rebuilt my practice again and again as things changed.
What I know for certain is this:
The body is not finished with us.
Not by a long way.
Keep moving.
Start small if you need to.
Start with one minute.
But start.
I invite you to take the next step.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can movement really help people with MS?
Yes. Movement plays an important role in maintaining mobility, strength, and nervous system function in people with MS. Through a process called neuroplasticity, the brain can form new pathways, which may improve movement and function over time.
What type of exercise is best for MS?
There is no single “best” exercise. The most effective movement is what you can do consistently. This may include walking, stretching, yoga, seated exercises, swimming, or neurological physiotherapy. The key is gentle, regular movement tailored to your ability.
What is neuroplasticity in MS?
Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to adapt and reorganize itself by forming new neural pathways. In MS, this means the brain can sometimes find alternative routes around damaged areas through intentional, repetitive movement and rehabilitation.
Is exercise safe for people with MS?
In most cases, yes—exercise is safe and recommended for people with MS when done appropriately. It should be adapted to your energy levels and physical condition. Working with a neurological physiotherapist can help ensure safety and effectiveness.
What is the Bobath approach in MS therapy?
The Bobath approach (or neurodevelopmental treatment) is a hands-on rehabilitation method that helps retrain movement patterns by working with the nervous system. It is widely used in neurological conditions, including MS.
What if I feel too tired to exercise with MS?
Fatigue is one of the most common MS symptoms. On low-energy days, even one minute of gentle movement counts. The goal is not intensity but consistency and listening to your body’s limits.
Can people with advanced MS still benefit from movement?
Yes. Movement can still support comfort, circulation, joint health, and nervous system engagement at any stage of MS. Even small, assisted, or seated movements can be beneficial.
How often should someone with MS exercise?
This varies from person to person. Many people benefit from short, daily movement rather than long sessions. Consistency is more important than duration or intensity.
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