How EasyStand Stand Aids Can Support MS Patients

No two multiple sclerosis (MS) patients are the same. Some experience only mild symptoms while others have to cope with life-changing mobility problems, making standing independently an impossible task.

Patients with severe MS can then develop other health complications as a result; if they’re unable to stand or move around independently, they may experience muscle degradation, aches and pains, pressure ulcers and other physical ailments. This, combined with the debilitating effects of MS, can not only impact the patient’s physical health but their mental health too. With a reduced quality of life and little to no independence, those with severe MS are more likely to experience depression and anxiety, further impacting their daily lives.

Although MS is a lifelong condition, there is hope for patients with severe symptoms. Thanks to decades of research and development, modern standing aids can have a transformative impact on the lives of people with MS, allowing them to stand safely and regain much of the independence they once had. In this blog, we’re going to examine the benefits of standing frames and exercise equipment for MS patients, covering suggested exercises and explaining the differences between the various standing aids on the market today.

• Strength and muscle tone: Standing regularly is the best way for MS patients to improve their muscle strength, making daily living that much easier.
• Blood circulation: The effects of spending too much time sitting or laying down are well-documented – particularly when it comes to blood circulation. Standing aids help with this, keeping the user’s heart health and blood pressure in check.
• Digestion: Digestive issues aren’t uncommon in severe MS patients. Standing up and moving around allows the digestive system to work more effectively.
• Bladder and bowel function: The same applies to the bladder and bowels; the use of a standing aid means the body doesn’t have to work as hard to process food and drink.
• Renal function: Maintaining healthy kidneys is vital, and standing frames can help with this. Standing regularly promotes a healthy metabolism and blood pressure, factors which can have a significant impact on renal function. 
• Reduced risk of health complications: The use of a standing frame can help prevent further physical health conditions, including osteoporosis and bed sores. 
• Posture: Many MS patients struggle to maintain a healthy posture, leading to aches and pains. Standing aids make it easier to develop and maintain the correct posture.
• Independence: Regaining the ability to stand and move around can enable patients with MS to live more independently than they otherwise would, making day to day life more enjoyable.
• Mental health: Improved independence leads to a greater sense of self-confidence, lessening the likelihood of mental health issues like depression and anxiety.

We’re all aware of the importance of exercise, and standing frames can make this possible for those with severe MS. Which exercises are right for you will vary depending on the nature of your condition and your level of mobility – it’s crucial to consult your physiotherapist before attempting any new exercises.

With that said, there are a variety of different exercises that can be completed using a standing aid, including lifting small weights, using resistance bands or simply walking around a room and carrying out day to day tasks.

Any exercises you’re able to perform will benefit you, not just physically but mentally too. The key is to start slow and go at your own pace; try standing and moving around for short periods of time and you’ll notice a gradual improvement in your muscle strength, making exercising easier and easier each time.

Stretching is important, too. As well as exercising and strengthening your muscles, try incorporating stretches into your routine where possible. Even something as simple as reach for objects on a shelf will help keep your muscles relaxed, helping to ease muscle spasms or tremors.

With so many different options out there to choose from, how do you know which standing frame is best for MS patients? The EasyStand range offers three different options – the Strapstand, Evolv and Glider – all of which offer different benefits. 

The Strapstand is the most affordable model in the range, allowing patients to stand safely and comfortably. Suitable for home and medical use, the Strapstand allows users to safely transition from their wheelchair to the standing position and move around with ease – even through standard-sized doorways. 

The Evolv is a highly adaptable standing aid with a modular design and a vast array of optional accessories, making it the most versatile and customisable option on the market. No matter how specific an individual’s needs are, the Evolv gives carers and medical professionals the tools to accommodate them. 

Resembling a cross trainer as much as a traditional standing aid, the Glider is a revolutionary device that’s perfect for MS patients looking for a way to exercise safely. Designed to improve upper body strength, the Glider is configurable to suit everyone; variable resistance settings make it easy to alter the difficulty level of the exercise, allowing MS patients to progress at their own pace.

Want to find out more about the EasyStand range? Explore our site to discover the benefits our standing aids have to offer, or get in touch to book a free demonstration today.