Understanding the Tremor Challenge in Multiple Sclerosis
For individuals living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), a myriad of symptoms can interrupt daily life, but few are as visibly frustrating as tremor. Often described as "shaky hands," MS tremor, medically known as intention or cerebellar tremor, can make simple tasks challenging: lifting a fork, writing, buttoning a shirt, or using a touchscreen phone.
This symptom is often the result of damage to the cerebellum or its connecting pathways in the central nervous system. The cerebellum is the brain region responsible for coordinating fine motor movements, balance, and postural stability. When this system is affected, the resulting tremor typically worsens as a limb moves closer to a target (intention tremor), interrupting the smooth execution of everyday tasks.
For our valued clients utilising NDIS Physiotherapy Melton and DVA benefits for rehabilitation, this loss of fine motor control often impacts independence. While it is common to focus treatments directly on the hands and arms, at Healthstin in BlueFit Melton, our Neurological Physiotherapy Melton professionals employ a whole body strategy: “Stabilising the Core to Still the Hands.”
The Foundation of Stability: The Core Musculature
The conventional view of the core often focuses only on the abdominal muscles. However, the true "core" is a complex, three dimensional system, a muscular cylinder that encircles the spine and pelvis. It includes deep stabilising muscles like the transverse abdominis, multifidus, the diaphragm, and the pelvic floor muscles.
The core acts as the body’s central engine of stability, and it is a primary focus of Core Stability for MS Ataxia.
Why Core Stability Matters for Hand Control:
Proximal Stability, Distal Mobility: This is a fundamental principle of motor control. When the trunk (the "proximal" part) is stable, the arms and hands (the "distal" parts) can operate with greater precision. If the base of a structure is unstable, the movement at the tip, your hand, is often magnified.
Energy Conservation: MS related fatigue can be worsened by compensating for a weak core. By strengthening the deep stabilisers, the body aims to use less energy to maintain posture, potentially leaving more reserve for performing tasks with the hands.
Supporting Balance: Training the core directly supports overall balance, which may help reduce the involuntary compensatory movements that can affect hand stability.
The Healthstin Strategy: Retraining the Core
Our NDIS Exercise Physiology Melton programs focus on retraining the deep core muscles, often referred to as "motor control training." This is highly specific work designed to reeducate the nervous system.
1. Foundational Breathing and Activation
Many people rely on superficial muscles for stability. We start with fundamental exercises to reeducate the nervous system on how to engage the correct deep muscles.
Diaphragmatic Breathing: Learning to breathe correctly is the first step in activating the transverse abdominis. This can also have a calming effect on the nervous system, which is a supportive component of MS Tremor Management Exercises.
Neutral Spine Positioning: We guide clients to find a neutral spine position, ensuring core muscles provide optimal support during activity.
2. Stability Through Movement
Once foundational activation is achieved, we progress to exercises that require the core to maintain stability while the limbs move.
Targeted Limb Movement: Exercises like "dead bugs" or "bird dogs" challenge the core to brace against a shifting centre of gravity, mimicking the act of reaching for an object.
Proprioception Work: Using tools like stability balls or wobble boards helps train the core’s reflexive responses, the ability to automatically brace against unexpected movement.
3. Functional Integration: Applying Stability to Tasks
The ultimate goal is to translate this core stability into the smoother performance of daily tasks. Our clinicians apply these principles directly to functional activities:
Supported Fine Motor Practice: Clients may practice writing or sorting exercises in a supported seated position to make the connection between core strength and “Physiotherapy for Fine Motor Skills MS” explicit.
Transfer Support: Improved core strength significantly assists in standing, walking, and transfers (getting in and out of a chair/bed), which are common goals for MS patients.
Tailoring Services for NDIS and DVA Clients
Healthstin is committed to supporting the independence of our clients in the Melton area through accredited core focused rehabilitation.
| Funding Category | Focus Area | Goal |
|---|---|---|
| NDIS | Capacity Building | Working toward improved upper limb function and fine motor skills. |
| DVA | Clinical Management | Support for managing complex MS symptoms and maintaining quality of life. |
NDIS Funding: Our services fall under Capacity Building Improved Daily Living. Core stabilisation training directly addresses goals related to upper limb function and general mobility. We provide clear, measurable reports to demonstrate progress in functional independence.
The Bottom Line: Start at the Centre
If hand tremors are impacting your daily activities, the solution often starts at your centre. By focusing on core stability with the guidance of Healthstin's Physios and EPs, you are building a foundation for greater independence.
Find Your Steady Center
Ready to gain more control over your daily tasks?
Managing hand tremors starts with a strong foundation. At Healthstin Melton, our experienced neurological team focuses on building the core stability and upper body control needed to support hand stability, making everything from buttoning a shirt to using your phone feel more manageable.
Ready to take the next step toward your health goals? Book Your Initial Consultation Here or call Healthstin at 1300 090 931 to discuss your NDIS, HCP, DVA, or WC funding and schedule your functional capacity screening at our BlueFit Melton clinic today!
Referring a client? Access our simple Online Referral Form and connect your client with trusted neurological physiotherapy and exercise physiology support.
Disclaimer & Terms of Use
Healthstin provides evidence based exercise physiology and physiotherapy services. Clinical progress and functional outcomes are individualised and depend on a variety of factors, including the specific condition, personal health goals, and adherence to the prescribed exercise program.
