Multiple sclerosis is one of the most challenging neurological conditions to live with. It affects an estimated 90,000 Canadians. Canada has one of the highest rates of MS in the world. This is a fact linked to our northern latitude and high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency. Conventional medicine manages the disease process. However, many people living with MS seek additional support to manage the daily symptoms that significantly affect quality of life. These include 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. However, it can meaningfully improve how patients feel and function day to day.

Why MS Patients Seek Osteopathic Care

MS affects the central nervous system. It damages the myelin sheath that surrounds nerve fibres and disrupts communication between the brain and the body. The result is a wide range of symptoms. They vary significantly between individuals and over time. They include:

• Chronic musculoskeletal pain
• Fatigue that is often disproportionate to activity level
• Muscle stiffness and spasticity
• Reduced balance and coordination
• 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. That work showed that osteopathic manipulative treatment combined with exercise significantly reduced fatigue and increased strength and mobility in MS patients.

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

Craniosacral therapy is also used in MS care. It is a gentle technique that works on the rhythm of the cerebrospinal fluid and the membranes surrounding the central nervous system. The evidence base for craniosacral therapy in MS is still emerging. However, 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
• 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. We view treatment as a complement to, not 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
• 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. We aim to keep 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 we work collaboratively with your medical team.

No referral needed. Coverage depends on your extended health plan. We do not currently offer direct billing. However, we provide a receipt after every session that you can submit to your insurer.

• Downtown Vancouver, Unit 17, 410 – 658 Homer St
• Brentwood Burnaby, Unit 102, 3105 – 1920 Willingdon Ave
• New Westminster, Unit 102, 661 Columbia St
• Richmond, 3891 Chatham St (until October 31, 2026)
• Richmond, Unit 208, 4751 Garden City Road (from November 1, 2026)

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

Best Osteopathy treats MS-related symptoms at our Downtown Vancouver, New Westminster, Brentwood Burnaby, and Richmond clinics.