Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Rehabilitation

Practical therapy for mobility, balance, and daily life

At Daviess Community Hospital’s CORE Center, our neurological rehabilitation team helps people living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) stay active, safe, and engaged in the things that matter. While MS is a lifelong neurologic condition, personalized rehabilitation can reduce symptoms, improve mobility and balance, and support independence at home, work, and in the community. Care is available in Washington and Odon, Indiana, and we welcome patients from Daviess County and across Southern Indiana.

What is MS?

MS is an autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). The immune system attacks the protective covering of nerves (myelin), disrupting signals between the brain and body. Symptoms vary widely and may fluctuate or progress over time.

Common symptoms may include:

• Fatigue that limits daily activity
• Muscle weakness; heaviness in arms or legs
• Balance problems, dizziness/vertigo, and falls
• Gait changes or difficulty walking
• Spasticity (muscle stiffness), cramps, or spasms
• Numbness or tingling in limbs
• Vision changes (blurry or double vision)
• Cognitive changes (attention, memory, processing)
• Bladder/bowel changes
• Speech or swallowing difficulty
• Pain and mood changes

Rehabilitation does not treat the disease itself, but it can reduce symptom burden, build strength and balance, and help you stay active with an adaptable plan.

How CORE’s MS rehabilitation helps

Your plan is tailored to your goals, current symptoms, and medical guidance from your neurology team. Depending on your needs, therapy may include:

Mobility, balance, and falls prevention

• Gait training and task-specific practice (turns, curbs, uneven surfaces)
• Balance and coordination exercises to lower fall risk
• Vestibular strategies for dizziness/vertigo (see Vestibular Rehabilitation)

Strength, flexibility, and spasticity management

• Progressive strengthening (hips, core, postural control) matched to your energy level
• Stretching and positioning to reduce stiffness and improve range of motion
• Myofascial/soft-tissue techniques for comfort and mobility

Fatigue and energy conservation

• Pacing plans (activity–rest cycles, weekly load planning)
• Breath/pressure strategies and posture coaching for efficient movement
• Home exercise programs scaled to “good days” and “low-energy days”

Function and independence

• Task practice for daily activities (stairs, transfers, car, community mobility)
• Assistive device assessment and training (canes, walkers, bracing)
• Home safety recommendations for confidence and safety

Whole-person support & referrals

• Cognitive-communication strategies and return-to-work/school support (see Cognitive-Communication Rehabilitation)
• Speech and swallowing screening and referral when needed (see Speech Therapy; Dysphagia Therapy)
• Pelvic floor–informed strategies for bladder/bowel concerns (see Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation)
• Occupational therapy for energy management, hand function, and home/work adaptations

We coordinate with your neurologist and primary care provider and adjust your plan as your symptoms change.

What to expect

Evaluation

We review your neurologic history, current symptoms, medications, and goals. Your therapist screens strength, balance, gait, coordination, vision/vestibular function, and how fatigue affects daily activities.

Personalized plan

Together, we set clear goals—like safer walking, fewer falls, or more energy for daily tasks—and a visit schedule that fits your life. Your plan integrates therapy in clinic and a doable home routine to reinforce gains.

Progress you can see

We track outcomes (e.g., walking speed, balance, distance, fatigue ratings, confidence), share updates with your medical team (with permission), and adjust your plan as needs change.

Is MS rehabilitation right for me now?

• You’ve noticed new or worsening balance, walking, or fatigue limitations
• You want to stay active with a plan that adapts to good and bad days
• You’re recovering from a relapse and need a safe return to daily life
• You’re exploring assistive devices or bracing to feel more secure and independent

If you’re in a medical flare (new neurologic symptoms), contact your neurology team first. Once cleared, therapy can help you recover function and confidence.

Locations and scheduling

CORE Center | 421 E. Van Trees Street, Washington, IN
CORE Center at North Daviess | 800 S. West Street, Odon, IN

Call (812) 254-8889 to schedule an MS rehabilitation evaluation or ask about referral requirements. We serve patients from Washington, Odon, Jasper, Vincennes, Loogootee, Petersburg, Bloomfield, and neighboring communities across Southern Indiana.

FAQs

Will therapy make my MS worse?
Rehabilitation is designed to be safe and adaptive. We scale intensity to your energy level and adjust as symptoms change.

How often should I come?
Frequency varies by goals and neurology guidance. Some people benefit from a focused episode of care; others prefer periodic “tune-ups.”

Do I need a referral?
Many insurers require a physician referral. Call (812) 254-8889 and we’ll help you determine next steps.

Can you help with fatigue?
Yes. We use energy conservation, pacing, and graded activity to build stamina without overexertion.