While the disease course cannot be altered by rehabilitation, a growing body of evidence indicates that improvement in mobility, activities of daily living (ADL), quality of life, prevention of complications, reduction in healthcare utilization, and gains in safety and independence may be realized by a carefully planned program of exercise, functional training, and activities that address the specific needs of the individual. Thus, rehabilitation is considered a necessary component of comprehensive, quality healthcare for people with MS, at all stages of the disease, occurring in many scenarios listed below.

The physician, nurse practitioner, or physician’s assistant should consider referral of individuals with MS for assessment by rehabilitation professionals—including rehabilitation physician and occupational, physical, and speech and language therapists—when there is an abrupt or gradual worsening of function or increase in impairment that has a significant impact on the individual’s mobility, safety, independence, and/or quality of life.