Multiple sclerosis is one of the most challenging neurological conditions to live with. It affects an estimated 90,000 Canadians, and Canada has one of the highest rates of MS in the world, a fact linked to our northern latitude and high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency. While conventional medicine manages the disease process, many people living with MS seek additional support to manage the daily symptoms that significantly affect quality of life: chronic pain, fatigue, spasticity, and reduced mobility.

Manual osteopathy offers a gentle, evidence-supported complementary approach to managing MS-related symptoms. It does not treat the underlying disease, but it can meaningfully improve how patients feel and function day to day.

Why MS Patients Seek Osteopathic Care

MS affects the central nervous system, damaging the myelin sheath that surrounds nerve fibres and disrupting communication between the brain and the body. The result is a wide range of symptoms that vary significantly between individuals and over time, including chronic musculoskeletal pain, fatigue that is often disproportionate to activity level, muscle stiffness and spasticity, reduced balance and coordination, and mood changes including depression and anxiety.

Conventional pharmacotherapy addresses some of these symptoms but rarely all of them. Many MS patients find that even optimized medical management leaves them with significant residual pain, fatigue, and functional limitation. This is where complementary manual therapy has a meaningful role to play.

What the Research Shows

Two recent pilot studies, led by separate research teams, demonstrated that manual osteopathy is effective in controlling chronic pain, fatigue, and depression in people with MS. These findings align with earlier work by Yates et al., which showed that osteopathic manipulative treatment combined with exercise significantly reduced fatigue and increased strength and mobility in MS patients.

Because there is currently no approved medication for MS-related fatigue specifically, manual osteopathy represents a clinically important and well-tolerated option for this symptom in particular.

Craniosacral therapy, a gentle technique that works on the rhythm of the cerebrospinal fluid and the membranes surrounding the central nervous system, is also used in MS care. While the evidence base for craniosacral therapy in MS is still emerging, several case reports suggest benefit for pain, fatigue, and neurological symptoms. Its gentle nature makes it particularly appropriate for patients who cannot tolerate more vigorous manual techniques.

What Osteopathic Treatment Looks Like for MS Patients

Treatment for patients with MS at Best Osteopathy is always adapted to the individual’s current level of function, fatigue, and sensitivity. We work gently and within a narrow window of tolerance to avoid triggering symptom flares. Sessions typically involve soft tissue release for muscle tension and spasticity, gentle joint mobilization to maintain range of motion, craniosacral therapy to support cerebrospinal fluid circulation and reduce central nervous system tension, and visceral techniques when digestive or bladder symptoms are part of the clinical picture.

We always work collaboratively with the patient’s neurologist and medical team, and treatment is viewed as a complement to rather than a replacement for conventional MS care.

Goals of Osteopathic Treatment for MS

Our goals when working with MS patients are to reduce chronic musculoskeletal pain and spasticity, improve fatigue levels and overall energy, maintain as much functional mobility and independence as possible, and support quality of life by helping patients continue their daily routines. Because MS tends to progress over time, the focus is on postponing functional decline and keeping patients active and as independent as possible for as long as possible.

Book a Consultation at Best Osteopathy Vancouver

If you or a loved one is living with MS and would like to discuss whether osteopathic treatment may be appropriate, we are happy to talk through your situation. We recommend speaking with your neurologist first and work collaboratively with your medical team.

No referral needed. Most extended health plans cover treatment.

• Downtown Vancouver, 658 Homer St, Suite 410
• Brentwood Burnaby, 1920 Willingdon Ave
• New Westminster, 661 Columbia St
• Richmond, 3891 Chatham St

Call (604) 445-1456 or email info@bestosteopathy.ca. Learn more about our practitioners and what we treat.

Best Osteopathy offers osteopathic care for MS-related symptoms at our Downtown Vancouver, New Westminster, Brentwood Burnaby, and Richmond clinics.