Multiple sclerosis (MS) patients suffering from lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), such as frequency and urgency of urination, found relief following craniosacral therapy (CST) and the majority reported improved quality of life, according to recent research.

"Taking into account the known importance of [quality of life] in chronic conditions generally, and in MS specifically," state the study’s authors, "it seems that this therapy may be capable of alleviating part of the disease burden in these patients."

The study, "Effect of craniosacral therapy on lower urinary tract signs and symptoms in multiple sclerosis," involved 28 subjects with MS and LUTS. According to researchers, LUTS are common among MS patients, often manifesting as increased urinary frequency and urgency, leading to decreased quality of life due to added physical and emotional stress.

All subjects who participated in the study had a definitive diagnosis of MS, along with LUTS lasting for at least three months and failure of past treatment for LUTS. Subjects ranged in age from 23 to 75 years old, with 24 females and four males.

Each subject received four cycles of CST, all performed by the same practitioner. Sessions were weekly, lasting about 50 minutes each and following the 10-step protocol of CST as described by John Upledger. Subjects were supine as they received CST, which consisted of the therapist applying gentle pressure on

specific key points.

Baseline and outcome measures included a complete neurological examination, Expanded Disability Status Scale, ultrasonography of the kidneys and ureters, assessment of urinary frequency and urgency, as well as an evaluation of each subject’s quality of life.

Urinary frequency and urgency were evaluated separately, each on a scale of one to six, with one being "not at all" and six representing "almost always or always." A focused medical history, with emphasis on disturbances of the urinary system, was obtained, followed by clinical interviews.

Results of the study showed both frequency and urgency of urination were significantly reduced among participants, and 79 percent of the study’s subjects—22 of the 28 people—reported improved quality of life.

"A significant proportion of MS patients suffer irritative LUTS like increased frequency and urgency, which can adversely affect [quality of life]," state the study’s authors. "Although the exact mechanism of action of CST still remains to be elucidated, this therapy proved to be both effective and safe in treating LUTS of MS patients."

Authors: Gil Raviv, Shai Shefi, Dalia Nizani and Anat Achiron.

Sources: Urology Department and Multiple Sclerosis Center at the Sheba Medical Center in Tel Hashomer, Israel, affiliated with the Sackler School of Medicine at Tel Aviv University. Originally published in Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice (2009).

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