Have you noticed unusual shaking or trembling in yourself or a loved one with MS?
These movements—whether in the hands, arms, or even the entire body—can feel alarming at first. It’s completely normal to wonder, What does this mean? Can anything be done? The good news is that tremors, while common in MS, are manageable. With the right tools, strategies, and support, you can reduce their impact and feel more in control.
But first, let me introduce myself! Hi, I’m Dr. Gretchen, a physical therapist and MS-certified specialist. For years, I’ve been helping people with MS manage symptoms like tremors through exercises, education, and an encouraging community. Thousands of people have used these research-backed strategies to improve their daily lives, gaining confidence and a renewed sense of control.
Today, I want to help you do the same. We’ll talk about what causes tremors, the different types, and practical steps you can take to manage them. Let’s dive in!
Tremors are involuntary, rhythmic shaking movements that can occur in different parts of the body—like the hands, arms, legs, or even the head. In MS, these tremors happen because of damage to areas in the brain that manage coordination and movement.
Here’s the thing: not all tremors are the same. For some people, they might show up occasionally and be so mild they’re barely noticeable. For others, tremors can interfere with everyday activities like writing, eating, or getting dressed.
No matter where you are on this spectrum, it’s important to know that there are solutions to help you manage them effectively.
MS damages the protective coating of nerve fibers, called myelin, which helps messages travel smoothly between the brain and the body. When this coating is compromised, it disrupts communication and can cause symptoms like tremors.
Specifically, MS-related tremors are linked to damage in the cerebellum or nearby pathways—these are the areas of your brain responsible for fine-tuning movements and maintaining balance.
Tremors can also be triggered or worsened by factors like fatigue, stress, anxiety, or even certain medications. Recognizing and addressing these triggers is a vital step toward better management.
Understanding the type of tremor you’re dealing with can make it easier to find the right treatment for your body type. Here are the most common types of MS tremors:
It’s also possible to experience more than one type of tremor, and the severity can change from day to day. Keeping a journal of when and how your tremors occur can provide valuable insights for your healthcare provider as to what you experience on an everyday basis when thinking of treatment.
Diagnosing tremors involves careful observation by your doctor. They’ll watch how and when the tremors happen, ask about your medical history, and likely perform neurological exams to assess your movement and coordination.
Imaging tests like MRIs can help pinpoint areas of the brain affected by MS and confirm that the tremors are MS-related. This step is crucial because other conditions, like Parkinson’s disease or essential tremors, can cause similar symptoms but require different treatments.
While there’s no cure for MS-related tremors, there are plenty of ways to reduce their impact. The best approach often involves a combination of medical, therapeutic, and lifestyle strategies tailored to your specific needs.
Medications like beta-blockers, anticonvulsants, or muscle relaxants can help reduce the severity of tremors for some people experiencing MS. These medications target the nervous system to calm overactive signals that cause shaking. However, finding the right medication often involves trial and error, as everyone’s body responds differently. Be sure to work closely with your doctor to adjust dosages or other alternatives if needed.
Physical therapy focuses on improving strength and coordination through targeted exercises. These can help retrain your muscles and minimize the impact of tremors.
Occupational therapy provides practical tools to make daily activities easier. Weighted utensils, spill-proof mugs, and wrist braces are simple yet effective aids that can make a big difference in your day-to-day life.
If you’re looking to explore the specific physical therapy options that target MS symptoms (including tremors), my program, The MSing Link, is the perfect place to start. Together, we can empower your body through exercise and education in a way that makes daily activities feel more manageable. You deserve to feel like you, so let’s work together to make it possible.
In severe cases where other treatments haven’t worked, deep brain stimulation (DBS) might be an option. This surgical procedure involves placing a small device in the brain to regulate abnormal activity and reduce tremors. While it’s not for everyone, DBS can be life-changing for those who qualify.
Small lifestyle changes can go a long way in helping you manage tremors. Here are some practical tips I often recommend to my clients:
Remember, even small tweaks to your routine can add up to big improvements in how you feel and function.
If tremors are becoming more frequent, intense, or interfering with your daily life, it’s time to reach out for professional support. Your healthcare provider can help you assess what’s happening and recommend the right combination of treatments, both physically and emotionally, to help you feel in control of your symptoms.
As a general rule of thumb, keep a record of when your tremors occur, what you were doing, and how they made you feel. This information can be invaluable in identifying triggers and tailoring treatment to your needs. Remember, it’s okay to ask for help—it’s a sign of strength, not weakness.
Tremors can feel overwhelming at times, but they don’t have to take over your life. With the right combination of treatments, therapies, and lifestyle adjustments, you can manage them effectively and continue living fully.
Take it one step at a time, and remember—you’re not alone in this journey. There’s a whole community of people, including myself, ready to support you.
Do you have any further questions on how to help mitigate MS tremors? Please feel free to DM me on Instagram @doctor.gretchen.
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Dr. Gretchen Hawley's The MSing Link offers a comprehensive guide to taking control of your MS symptoms and improving your mobility through MS-specific exercises and strategies.
6000+ copies sold in over 13 countries!
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As a physical therapist & Multiple Sclerosis Certified Specialist, I have spent the last 10 years teaching people with MS how to feel more confident & empowered through MS-specific exercises and strategies.
If you want support and encouragement, plus a healthy dose of tough love, come follow me on Instagram (@doctor.gretchen) or on YouTube @DoctorGretchenHawley. It's where I share daily tips, tricks, and information about new offers — plus, you’re bound to feel more empowered, hopeful, & motivated after watching each post and video!
Questions? Email me at Hello@DoctorGretchenHawley.com