Physiotherapy for ALS & MS Patients

Increase Your Activity and Independence With Specialized Physiotherapy Treatment for Multiple Sclerosis (MS) or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) and MS (Multiple Sclerosis) are two conditions that can limit your physical capabilities but can benefit massively from physiotherapy.

With Get Right Physio by your side, you’ll have the opportunity to work to combat symptoms and decelerate the advancement of both ALS and MS by improving your mobility, posture, strength, and balance.

Learn how you can better your everyday life through physiotherapy by setting up an appointment with one of Get Right Physio’s therapists, who are experienced in assisting ALS and MS clients throughout the Greater Toronto Area.

What Is Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and Multiple Sclerosis (MS)?

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis is a neurodegenerative disease in which the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord break down, destroying the function of the body’s muscles. Conversely, Multiple Sclerosis is a condition where the immune system attacks the fibre protecting your nerves. While neither is curable, ALS is more likely to be fatal and can lead to paralysis.

The early symptoms of each disease can be similar, such as weakened muscles, trouble walking, muscle spasms, and fatigue. As each illness progresses, symptoms begin to differ significantly. Clients with ALS experience more physical deterioration, while MS patients tend to struggle with impaired vision, poor bladder control and cognitive difficulties like memory loss.

How Do We Treat ALS and MS Through Physiotherapy?

After you receive your diagnosis of ALS or MS, your doctor will explain your treatment options to you, outlining the most effective approaches. Provided your doctor confirms that you’re a suitable candidate for physical therapy, you can arrange a consultation with one of our therapists to discuss your needs.

Your first session will involve several assessments, the results from which will be used to form a customized treatment plan for your physiotherapy. ALS and MS clients may undergo different tests, as your therapist checks for muscle strength, coordination, ability to carry out basic tasks, respiratory function, and mobility.

While you move through your treatment programme, you’ll work on exercises and techniques that may change according to your progress and needs. Everything from fine motor activities to balance training may be included in your plan, though specific movements will depend on your diagnosis.

Physiotherapy for ALS and MS strives to achieve the following objectives:

Maintain muscle strength
Promote safe mobility
Minimize the impact of the condition on everyday life
Improve balance and flexibility

Benefits of Physiotherapy for Clients With ALS and MS

Physiotherapy is advantageous for clients with ALS and MS for various reasons, with the primary benefit being a better quality of life and a slower disease progression. There are many other benefits, which include the following:

ALS:

As you work to retain your muscle tone and function and better your balance, you lower your risk of falling or acquiring an injury. Sustaining an injury can lead to further complications and a more rapid decline.
Physiotherapy will provide you with the skills to find new ways of achieving daily tasks as your condition changes, such as using assistive devices to help you maintain your regular routine for as long as possible.

MS:

Through specific exercises, you can reduce the frequency or severity of muscle spasms and reestablish bladder control, giving you a greater sense of control over your symptoms.
Relapses are commonplace among clients with MS. Physiotherapy assists you in getting back on track after a relapse by restoring the function of your muscles.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Types of Exercises Are Included in a Physiotherapy Program for ALS?

A blend of exercises is used to treat ALS with physiotherapy, which differs based on the stage of the disease you’re at. Below are some examples of what clients could work on:

Aerobic (e.g. walking, swimming, cycling)
Strength training (e.g. bicep curls, leg lifts)
Balance (e.g. marching, one-legged stands)
Stretching (e.g. knee flexion, hamstring stretch)
Breathing (e.g. breath stacking, assisted coughing)

How Often Should Individuals With ALS Participate in Physiotherapy Treatment Sessions?

The stage of ALS you’re at will determine how frequently you should attend physiotherapy sessions, and each client will have a different schedule to follow.

For example, some clients will attend weekly sessions in the house or condo after an initial diagnosis to learn management strategies, while some will increase their regularity as their condition progresses, and they may need greater assistance in a hospital, Long-term care facility or retirement home.

As you work with your therapist, you’ll be able to find a routine that best caters to your requirements.

Are There Assistive Devices or Equipment That Can Aid in Physical Therapy for MS?

Assistive devices are prevalent among clients with MS and become increasingly necessary as the disease advances. Leg braces, crutches, canes, wheelchairs, and walking frames are examples of popular assistive devices. Your therapist will advise you on which aids would be the most practical for you, which may change over time.

Are There Lifestyle Modifications or Home Exercises That Individuals With MS Can Incorporate Alongside Physiotherapy?

Clients with MS can also make lifestyle changes that support physiotherapy treatment and their overall well-being. Some examples include:

Gentle and regular movement to retain mobility and flexibility and reduce symptoms of fatigue
Completing therapist-approved strength and balance exercises at home
Creating a consistent sleep schedule
Avoid extreme temperatures that can worsen symptoms
Quitting smoking

Slow the Progression of ALS and MS With the Help of Get Right Physio's Effective Physiotherapy Treatments

Unfortunately, there’s no cure for either ALS or MS at present, but physiotherapy can afford you the opportunity to maintain your strength and mobility for as long as possible, which contributes to your independence and self-esteem.

Whether you’ve recently been diagnosed with ALS or MS or are supporting a loved one to find the right treatment for their condition, Get Right Physio will provide you with the help you need. Our expert therapists use their experience and knowledge to ensure each client receives personalized care.

Book a consultation with a highly qualified therapist from Get Right Physio and make the first steps towards a better quality of life today.

Step 1

Contact us at:

647-370-5162
hello@getrightphysio.com
Complete intake form.

Our intake specialists are waiting to assist you.

Step 2

Let us learn about you:

Speak to our client coordinator so we can understand your unique circumstances to match you with the right therapist to help you reach your goals.

Step 3

Our team comes to you!

We will book you in within 24-48 hours at a time that works best for you. Our therapist shows up at your door with everything needed to get you closer to your health, mobility and client-centred goals!

Contact Us To Book Appointment!

*Extended health benefits can be used for in-home physiotherapy

     Excellent  
     Based on 62 reviews 
    
 
 
   
 
 
        
   M 
 2024-01-10
 
 
  Thankyou for your  kindness and caring care for our loved ones! Kindness these days is very rare and refreshing and very very powerful in healing and prospering! Ara, Claudia,Snehal and Sharon You Rock! All staff were very kind and helpful!! Many thanks and much love and light 💓Molly and Steven 🤘
  
 
       
   Bob Weese 
 2024-01-09
 
 
  I was very happy with the physiotherapy services and the encouragement I received from Sabrina. She was always punctual and cheerful.  The advice and exercises she provided were appropriate for my age and condition and helpful in strengthening my legs and arms.
  
 
       
   Enza Pasquale 
 2024-01-02
 
 
  Thanks you to Get Right Physio and especially Sabrina for getting my 90 year old mother back on her feet after hip replacement surgery. I was very pleased with the company’s professional expertise and for sending us the right therapist for my mother. Sabrina was very kind, knowledgeable and understanding. I would not hesitate to use the company again.
  
 
       
   A Shah 
 2023-12-19
 
 
  Claudia was highly professional and had a wealth of knowledge to answer all my questions about pelvic floor health and muscle pain post partum. She was friendly and really took the time to teach me the exercises and go at a pace I was comfortable with. Highly recommended!
  
 
       
   Catherine Leslie 
 2023-12-12
 
 
  Claudia and her team were instrumental in rehabilitating my mom after her stroke. Claudia is a true professional with a wealth of knowledge but she also has a genuine kindness that instantly put my mom at ease. Claudia has a personalized approach, she took the time to understand not just the physical aspects of my mom's condition but also her unique needs and goals. Claudia communicates clearly and prioritized my mom's safety and wellbeing. Her home exercises and practical tips helped to integrate rehabilitation seamlessly into our daily lives.  My family and I are grateful for Claudia's hard work with my mom.
  
 
       
   Korice Moir 
 2023-12-05
 
 
  Claudia is a wonderful physiotherapist. You are in good hands here!
  
 
       
   Chito Wong 
 2023-11-27
 
 
  Amazing service and very meticulous in making sure that client is comfortable and understands the exercises.
  
 
       
   Ann Bank 
 2023-11-14
 
 
  I have experienced many physiotherapy clinics over the years and found the treatments I received from Get Right physiotherapist Izabela to be top notch.  I especially liked that she came to my home to give them.
  
 
       
   Michael Falagario 
 2023-10-27
 
 
  My wife used their in-house services. She felt very comfortable with Claudia, and was really happy with her overall results through physiotherapy. The fact that she came to us was a big bonus! Highly recommend!
  
 
       
   Karen Young 
 2023-10-18
 
 
  The quality, responsiveness and kindness of Claudia’s team is outstanding.