Living well with MS often involves more than medical treatment. A range of services can help with mobility, daily activities, mental health, and navigating the healthcare and support systems.

Many of these services are available in Australia, including through state MS organisations, the NDIS, and allied health. This article explains the main services, what the research shows about their benefits, and how to access them, including for people in regional areas.

Key Takeaways

• The main allied health services that can support people with MS
• Why psychological support is an important part of MS care
• What the research shows about rehabilitation and therapy
• How MS Plus and MS Australia can help
• How to access and fund services in Australia

Allied Health Services

Allied health professionals work alongside your GP and neurologist. The main ones for people with MS include:

Physiotherapists, who help with movement, strength, balance, and mobility.

Occupational therapists, who help with daily activities, home setup, and equipment.

Exercise physiologists, who design safe exercise programs.

Dietitians, who provide advice on nutrition and weight.

Speech pathologists, who help with speech and swallowing if these are affected.

Continence nurses and physiotherapists, who help with bladder and bowel symptoms.

Research supports the benefit of these services. A review of high-quality evidence found that structured, multidisciplinary rehabilitation, where a team of health professionals work together, can improve daily function and quality of life for people with MS. Exercise and physical activity programs have moderate-quality evidence for improving mobility, strength, and fatigue.

Psychological Support

Mental health is commonly affected by MS. Depression and anxiety are more common in people with MS than in the general population, and psychological support is an important part of MS care.

Psychologists can help with mood, anxiety, adjustment to diagnosis, and coping strategies. Research supports cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for depression in people with MS, including programs delivered online, which can be useful for people who cannot easily attend in person. A GP can discuss a Mental Health Treatment Plan, which provides Medicare-subsidised sessions with a psychologist.

How MS Plus and MS Australia Can Help

Two organisations are central to MS support in Australia.

MS Plus (msplus.org.au) provides services across New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, and the ACT. These include nurse advisors, allied health, peer support, wellbeing programs, employment support, and NDIS services. Many services are available by phone or telehealth, which is useful for people in regional areas. MS Plus also runs a free peer support program that connects people who also live with MS.

MS Australia (msaustralia.org.au) is the national peak body. It funds research, provides information, advocates for people with MS, and links to state and territory organisations and government supports.

Both organisations can help you understand what is available and how to access it.

Funding and Access

Several systems can help with the cost of services.

The NDIS funds support for eligible people under 65 with a permanent and significant disability, which can include some people with MS. A GP Management Plan can provide Medicare rebates for a number of allied health visits each year. A Mental Health Treatment Plan provides subsidised psychology sessions. Telehealth is widely available and can reduce the need to travel for appointments.

Your GP, MS nurse, or an MS Plus advisor can help you work out which options apply to you.

Summary

A range of services can support people living with MS, including allied health, psychology, and the support offered by MS organisations. Research supports multidisciplinary rehabilitation, exercise programs, and psychological therapy such as CBT for depression.

In Australia, MS Plus and MS Australia can help you find and access services, and the NDIS, Medicare, and telehealth can help with cost and access. Speaking with your GP or MS nurse is a useful first step.

FAQs

Do I need a referral to see allied health professionals? You can see most privately, but a GP referral through a Management Plan provides Medicare rebates for a set number of visits each year.

Can I access services if I live in a regional area? Yes. Many allied health, psychology, and MS support services are available by telehealth.

Is MS Plus only for people in certain states? MS Plus serves New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, and the ACT. People in other states can find their local organisation through MS Australia.

Will the NDIS cover my support? The NDIS covers eligible people under 65 with a permanent and significant disability. An MS Plus advisor or your GP can help you check eligibility.

How do I get psychological support? Your GP can prepare a Mental Health Treatment Plan, which provides Medicare-subsidised psychology sessions.

References

1. Amatya, B., Khan, F., & Galea, M. (2019). Rehabilitation for people with multiple sclerosis: An overview of Cochrane reviews. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 1, CD012732. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD012732.pub2
2. Khan, F., Turner-Stokes, L., Ng, L., Kilpatrick, T., & Amatya, B. (2007). Multidisciplinary rehabilitation for adults with multiple sclerosis. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2, CD006036. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD006036.pub2
3. Khan, F., & Amatya, B. (2017). Rehabilitation in multiple sclerosis: A systematic review of systematic reviews. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 98(2), 353–367. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apmr.2016.04.016
4. Fischer, A., Schröder, J., Vettorazzi, E., et al. (2015). An online programme to reduce depression in patients with multiple sclerosis: A randomised controlled trial. The Lancet Psychiatry, 2(3), 217–223. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2215-0366(14)00049-2
5. Khan, F., Amatya, B., Kesselring, J., & Galea, M. (2015). Telerehabilitation for persons with multiple sclerosis. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 4, CD010508. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD010508.pub2
6. Dobson, R., Rice, D. R., D’hooghe, M., et al. (2022). Social determinants of health in multiple sclerosis. Nature Reviews Neurology, 18(12), 723–734. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41582-022-00735-5

Useful links

• MS Plus: https://www.msplus.org.au
• MS Australia: https://www.msaustralia.org.au