The MS Hug: What Is It And How To Mitigate Symptoms

Mar 25, 2024

Today on the blog, I want to break down a symptom of MS that may sound friendly, but can really impact those experiencing it - The MS Hug. Don’t let the name fool you, this can be a really distressing experience and cause a lot of my clients to become extremely frustrated at its out-of-nowhere approach. I’d like to assure you as quickly as possible these symptoms, although extremely uncomfortable, can be minimized with the correct approach.

Let’s dive into what the MS Hug is, but more importantly how we can effectively manage your symptoms together.

What is the MS Hug?

The MS Hug, though its name might suggest a nice embrace, is anything but a comforting symptom for those experiencing it. To put it as simply as possible, it’s a sensation of tightness, pressure, or constriction around the torso. I often hear it compared to being squeezed tightly by a constricting band. This sensation can vary in intensity and duration, making it difficult for those with MS to engage in daily activities comfortably. The sensation of tightness and pressure on the upper half of your body can be present on either both sides or just one.

Impact on Daily Life

The MS Hug can significantly impact daily activities further complicating the ability to navigate daily life independently. Tasks such as dressing, bathing, and even eating can become more challenging when accompanied by the discomfort of the MS Hug. As a physical therapist, part of my role is to develop personalized strategies to help clients adapt and cope with these challenges effectively.

Common Triggers

Identifying what causes the MS Hug is crucial in managing when it comes and how severe it will be. Stress, fatigue, changes in temperature, and overexertion are common beginnings that cause the sensation to occur. Before you panic… stop and breathe. As an MS physical therapist, I’ve seen these triggers time and time again. We can combat them together and make the MS Hug way more manageable in your everyday life.

How Do We Manage The MS Hug?

While there's no one-size-fits-all solution for managing the MS Hug, there are various treatment paths we can utilize to provide relief. From a physical therapy standpoint exclusively, I work on two main areas to manage the Hug: posture and mobility.

When it comes to posture, the goal is all about reducing tension in both the back and spine. This is done by specifically utilizing MS exercises to strengthen the core muscles and practice proper alignment. Depending on the current fitness level you’re at, we will develop a plan together to make these exercises feel achievable and easy to incorporate into your everyday routine. To see a sample of the exercise plan, try my 5 Day MS Strength Challenge.

Although mobility is just as important to consider as posture to help with the MS Hug, it requires a completely different set of exercises to target. Mobility in general is crucial for people experiencing MS, promoting flexibility to ease some discomfort around the torso. To help kickstart your relationship with flexible moments, read my book: The MSing Link.

You Are Not Alone In Your MS Symptoms

The MS Hug is a symptom of MS that can have a profound impact on individuals, but I want to encourage you to find the courage to start treating your symptoms. As a physical therapist, my goal with any of my clients is to remind them they are never alone.

Although your symptoms may feel isolating at times, I want to encourage you to take the steps needed, even if it feels uncomfortable. To help get your journey started, I HIGHLY recommend checking out my Youtube channel: Dr. Gretchen Hawley. This will get you started in embracing a workout routine specifically designed for those experiencing MS.