At Can Do MS, we know that the power of knowledge can transform lives and expand beliefs about what is possible.

These articles are written by our nationwide team of program consultants - renowned healthcare professionals dedicated to educating people living with MS and their support partners. You will find valuable information and approaches covering our Six Dimensions of Wellness- Emotional Well-Being, Cognitive Well-Being; Home & Work; Diet, Exercise & Healthy Behaviors; Relationships; and Spirituality.

These articles are provided as general educational resources and should not be interpreted as diagnoses, prognoses, or treatment suggestions. Information and perspectives represent the views of the individual author(s); Can Do Multiple Sclerosis is not responsible for the accuracy or currency of the responses. Readers should consult with their healthcare team.

Pain in Multiple Sclerosis

By: Abbey Hughes, PhD and Aliza Ben-Zacharia, PhD, DNP, ANP, FAAN, MSCN

Pain is one of the most common “invisible” symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS), affecting approximately two-thirds of people with MS over the course of their lives, and approximately half of people with MS at any given time. Despite the high prevalence of pain in MS, less than one-third of patients report receiving treatment to specifically address their pain. Routine assessment and comprehensive treatment of pain is essential for promoting function and quality of life among people with MS.

Relationships and Intimacy

By: Kathleen Healey, NP, PhD and Meghan Beier, PhD

Up to 80% of people living with MS will experience a sexual challenge throughout their lifetime. However, sexual challenges are not just experienced by people living with MS. Approximately 35-40% of people in the general population also experience sexual difficulties. So, what gets in the way?

Sensory Symptoms in MS

By: Kathy SanMartino, PT NCS, MSCS, CLT, ATP and Randall T Schapiro, MD, FAAN

Among the most common symptoms in multiple sclerosis are the sensory symptoms. They are often the first symptoms of MS and while invisible to the naked eye, can be among the most bothersome. The list is long and may involve every inch of the human body. While ever present, these symptoms usually do not predict a poor prognosis. Nonetheless they are important to understand and manage as best as possible.

Intensity Matters: Frequency, Effort, and Resistance in Exercise

By: Jennifer Keller, MS, PT

Intensity Matters: General Tips for Endurance & Resistance Exercise

Managing Employment Challenges with MS

By: Rosalind Kalb, PhD & Steven Nissen, M.S., CRC

Multiple sclerosis (MS) can cause a wide range of symptoms that may impact a person’s activities in the workplace, including fatigue, changes in thinking and memory, mood changes, visual problems, reduced mobility, balance, and strength, and bladder or bowel difficulties. Depending on the severity of the symptoms and type of work one does, a person’s ability to work may be unaffected or severely limited. And given the variability of MS symptoms, work activities may be affected more on some days than others.

Managing MS Fatigue and Sleep During A Crisis: COVID-19 and Beyond

By: Abbey Hughes, PhD and Stephanie Singleton, OTR/L

Over a few short weeks, the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has become a constant presence in our lives. We have experienced rapid shifts in our daily activities, including how we work, socialize, exercise, eat, pray, receive medical care, and care for others. Fatigue and sleep disturbance are common in MS and can worsen during periods of stress.

Striving for Cognitive Wellness

By: Janet DeClark, MA, CCC-SLP and Meghan Beier PhD

Forgetfulness happens to all of us. Sometimes we forget names or appointments, struggle with finding the right word, or feel overwhelmed and disorganized. But what happens when you notice it occurring more frequently than it used to? When you have MS, you may find that you’re having more trouble with thinking and remembering. Many people with MS have changes in cognition.

The Process of Therapy

By: Peggy Crawford, PhD and Jean Simmons, PhD - Clinical Psychologists

General guidelines of what to expect when participating in therapy.

Landing on Your Feet When Your World is Turned Upside Down

By: Rosalind Kalb, PhD and Rhonda Canby

Change is part of our lives. We strive for some of those changes – for example, growing up, getting an education, finding a partner, or winning the lottery. Others may be thrust upon us – for example aging, losing a loved one, or being diagnosed with a chronic illness. All changes, whether positive or negative, can be challenging. If you think about getting a new job, starting a new relationship, or having a baby, the challenges as well as the pleasures are pretty obvious.

CanDoMS, Multiple Sclerosis, MS Nutrition, MS Myths, Nutrition

By: Mona Bostick, RDN, LDN - Registered Dietitian

Finding nutrition information online is easy. In fact, it is hard to escape! But how reliable is the information you find online? How good is the advice from your favorite Instagram account, from your favorite celebrity, or your well-meaning neighbor or friend?