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International Alliance of ALS/MND Associations

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Physiotherapy and Mobility

Everyday tasks such as getting up in the morning, walking, and climbing stairs are often taken for granted. As ALS/MND progresses, a person’s mobility may be affected. People living with ALS/MND can find support for mobility and movement via their physiotherapist.

The effects of ALS/MND on a person’s mobility can vary depending on the individual. Muscle weakness, muscle cramping, paralysis in certain muscles, loss of range in motion and flexibility, or muscle spasticity are common reasons mobility is affected.

A physiotherapist, individually or alongside the occupational therapist and orthotist, helps support mobility and movement for people living with ALS/MND. Their role can include providing exercises to maintain and support the regular movement. In addition, they can offer suggestions to posture and activities to encourage mobility and work with people with ALS/MND to navigate the many technical devices and equipment available to them.

There are equipment and devices to support mobility for people living with ALS/MND. People with ALS/MND have a range of options for equipment, such as canes and walking sticks, orthotic devices, walkers/rollators and wheelchairs. The physiotherapist can help people narrow down the best options for their individual needs.

For more information on the physiotherapist’s role and support for mobility with ALS/MND, refer to the resources provided below.

Click on the icon below to visit our playlist of videos related to Physiotherapy and Mobility.

The following are resources from Members of the International Alliance of ALS/MND Associations on the topic of Physiotherapy and Mobility.

What Does the Physiotherapist Do?

The physiotherapist’s role for people living with ALS/MND is explained in this short resource provided by the ALS Centrum Nederlands. This resource discusses the areas in which a physiotherapist can give aid and support. The ALS Centrum Nederlands also offers additional links to learn more about equipment that a physiotherapist may recommend.

https://www.als-centrum.nl/kennisplatform/wat-doet-de-fysiotherapeut/

Language: Dutch, English
Subject Areas: Multidisciplinary Healthcare Team, Physiotherapy, Physiotherapist, Mobility, For People with ALS/MND, For Caregivers

Physiotherapy in ALS

The ALS Lige Belgium created a thorough guide for people living with ALS/MND and their caregivers. The guide outlines the overarching goals of physiotherapy for people living with ALS/MND. This booklet also contains diagrams and directions for common exercises or activities from physiotherapy for people with ALS/MND. Additionally, this guide provides information on tools and resources that people living with ALS/MND can use to support mobility and daily activities.

https://als.be/sites/default/files/uploads/Physiotherapy_pALS_-_Manual_physiotherapists.pdf

Language: English
Subject Areas: Physiotherapy, Mobility, For People with ALS/MND, For Caregivers

Physiotherapy and Exercise with MND

The MND Association (MNDA) provides this detailed resource on physiotherapy and its benefits for people living with ALS/MND. This resource answers frequently asked questions about the physiotherapist’s role and the general structure and format of appointments. Additionally, exercise types and treatments are also discussed.

https://www.mndassociation.org/app/uploads/2015/06/6A-Physiotherapy-1.pdf

Language: English
Subject Areas: Physiotherapy, Multidisciplinary Healthcare Team, Physiotherapist, Mobility, For People with ALS/MND

Muscle Weakness with MND

The MND Association (MNDA) focuses on muscle weakness in this guide for people living with ALS/MND. This resource explains the process of weakening muscles with ALS/MND, strategies to help with these changes, and the available equipment to people as the disease progresses.

https://www.mndassociation.org/professionals/management-of-mnd/management-by-symptoms/muscle-weakness/

Language: English
Subject Areas: Mobility, Physiotherapy, Multidisciplinary Healthcare Team, Occupational Therapist, Physiotherapist, For People with ALS/MND

Mobility and Movement

This resource page is provided by the MND Association (MNDA). It discusses some of the aspects of mobility for people living with ALS/MND. Topics covered in this resource include the multidisciplinary healthcare team that may assist with mobility and movement for people living with ALS/MND. This resource also discusses the equipment for mobility and movement, potential home improvements, and changes with driving.

https://www.mndassociation.org/support-and-information/living-with-mnd/mobility-and-movement/

Language: English
Subject Areas: Occupational Therapist, Daily Living, For People with ALS/MND, For Caregivers

Mobility and ALS

This factsheet describing how mobility may be affected by ALS/MND is provided for people living with ALS/MND by The ALS Association (ALSA). The expected changes in mobility alongside the multidisciplinary healthcare team that can aid with these changes are discussed.

https://www.als.org/navigating-als/resources/fyi-mobility-and-als

Language: English
Subject Areas: Mobility, Multidisciplinary Healthcare Team, Physiotherapy, For People with ALS/MND

Functioning When Mobility is Affected by ALS

This extensive guide is provided by The ALS Association (ALSA) and details many aspects of mobility and daily living for people living with ALS/MND. It introduces the multidisciplinary healthcare team and describes their role. This guide also provides tips, strategies, and exercises to support mobility for people living with ALS/MND. Information on available equipment and home adaptations is also offered.

https://www.als.org/sites/default/files/2020-04/lwals_07_2017.pdf

Language: English
Subject Areas: Multidisciplinary Healthcare Team, Physiotherapist, Occupational Therapist, Mobility, Daily Living, For People with ALS/MND, For Caregivers

Orthotic Devices with ALS/MND

This guide provided by The ALS Association (ALSA) discusses the multidisciplinary healthcare team that can support people living with ALS/MND in exploring and deciding on the right orthotic devices for them. Certain devices that people living with ALS/MND can use are also discussed.

https://www.als.org/navigating-als/resources/fyi-orthotic-devices

Language: English
Subject Areas: Mobility, Multidisciplinary Healthcare Team, For People with ALS/MND, For Caregivers

ALS & Mobility

We created this guide to help you navigate changes that may occur due to ALS. In this guide you will find information on durable medical equipment (DME). This equipment will allow you to get around your home and out in the community. This guide is just a general place to start. If you have any questions, please contact your ALS care team.

https://lesturnerals.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Mobility-Guide-Final.pdf

Language: English
Subject Areas: Mobility, Care and Support Guides and Manuals, Equipment, Communications and Assistive Technology, For Clinicians, For Families and Caregivers

ALS & Home Modifications

Whether adding a ramp, remodelling, or moving, information about what features are useful and practical is important, especially as adding unnecessary or poorly designed elements add costs to a budget. Your ALS care team can provide you with resources and help brainstorm cost effective ways to modify your home. While no two people with ALS are alike or will progress the same way, there is a great deal of collective knowledge and wisdom available from your ALS care team, people living with ALS and caregivers. Our intention is to provide you with information that you need today and tomorrow.

https://lesturnerals.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Home-Modifications-Guide-Final.pdf

Language: English
Subject Areas: Mobility, Care and Support Guides and Manuals, Equipment, Communications and Assistive Technology, For Clinicians, For Families and Caregivers

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Care services

  • Genetic Counselling & Testing
  • Mental Health Support
  • Nursing and Symptom Management
  • Nutrition and Swallowing
  • Occupational Therapy and Activities of Daily Living
  • Physiotherapy and Mobility
  • Respiratory Care
  • Speech Therapy and Communication
  • Support for Family & Caregivers
  • Technology

  • IMG_1211

    IMG_1211

  • IMG_2658

    IMG_2658

  • Bjarne Hytjanstorp, ALS Norge, Norway

    Bjarne Hytjanstorp, ALS Norge, Norway

  • Steven Spencer, Diagnosed 2014 , MND New Zealand

    Steven Spencer, Diagnosed 2014 , MND New Zealand

  • Catherine Pearce, Australia

    Catherine Pearce, Australia

  • Ada Garrido Benavidez, Diagnosed 2016,  FYADENMAC, Mexico

    Ada Garrido Benavidez, Diagnosed 2016, FYADENMAC, Mexico

  • Teddy Hanono Annie, Apoyo Integral Gila A.C., Diagnosed 2018, Mexico

    Teddy Hanono Annie, Apoyo Integral Gila A.C., Diagnosed 2018, Mexico

  • Inta Grubb, Diagnosed 2014,  MND Australia

    Inta Grubb, Diagnosed 2014, MND Australia

  • Bob Simonds and Drew O'Neil, USA

    Bob Simonds and Drew O’Neil, USA

  • Sanjay Kumar Srivastava, Asha Ek Hope Foundation for ALS/MND, Diagnosed 2018, India

    Sanjay Kumar Srivastava, Asha Ek Hope Foundation for ALS/MND, Diagnosed 2018, India

  • Anthony (Tony) Lynch, MND New South Wales, Diagnosed 2016, Australia

    Anthony (Tony) Lynch, MND New South Wales, Diagnosed 2016, Australia

  • Ali Var, Turkey

    Ali Var, Turkey

  • Joy Blakeley, Diagnosed 2017 , MND Australia

    Joy Blakeley, Diagnosed 2017 , MND Australia

  • Fabrice Kamp, Germany

    Fabrice Kamp, Germany

  • Alfredo Santos, Diagnosed 2013 , ACELA, Colombia

    Alfredo Santos, Diagnosed 2013 , ACELA, Colombia

  • Hans Dieter Olszewski, Diagnosed 2010 , DGM, Germany

    Hans Dieter Olszewski, Diagnosed 2010 , DGM, Germany

  • Carlos Alberto Báez Murillo, ACELA, Colombia

    Carlos Alberto Báez Murillo, ACELA, Colombia

  • Anita Forte, Les Turner ALS Foundation, USA

    Anita Forte, Les Turner ALS Foundation, USA

  • Jose Espinosa, Argentina

    Jose Espinosa, Argentina

  • Imelda Arenas, ACELA, Colombia

    Imelda Arenas, ACELA, Colombia

  • Roy

    Roy
    roy

  • Shay Rishoni, Diagnosed 2011 - Prize4Life, Israel

    Shay Rishoni, Diagnosed 2011 – Prize4Life, Israel

  • Verónica Isabel Castro Molina, Diagnosed 2014, Argentina

    Verónica Isabel Castro Molina, Diagnosed 2014, Argentina

  • Alan Liz Ogg 29042016 000799 lo res

    Alan Liz Ogg 29042016 000799 lo res

  • Denis Blais, Diagnosed 2015 , ALS Canada

    Denis Blais, Diagnosed 2015 , ALS Canada

  • Emilienne Verhaegen, ALS Liga Belgium, Diagnosed 2014

    Emilienne Verhaegen, ALS Liga Belgium, Diagnosed 2014

  • Claire Garry, USA

    Claire Garry, USA
    20200117_214643

  • Purningam Jacob, Diagnosed 2012 , Asha Ek Hope Foundation, India

    Purningam Jacob, Diagnosed 2012 , Asha Ek Hope Foundation, India

  • Rolf Mauch, Association ALS Switzerland, Diagnosed 2015

    Rolf Mauch, Association ALS Switzerland, Diagnosed 2015

  • Liam Dwyer, England

    Liam Dwyer, England

  • Dad

    Dad

  • Frank "Papa" Taylor, USA

    Frank “Papa” Taylor, USA

  • Monica Soriano, Diagnosed 2011 ,  Asociación ELA , Argentina

    Monica Soriano, Diagnosed 2011 , Asociación ELA , Argentina

  • Conny van der Meijden, Diagnosed 2001,  ALS Netherlands

    Conny van der Meijden, Diagnosed 2001, ALS Netherlands

  • David Watson,  MND Scotland,  Diagnosed 2018

    David Watson, MND Scotland, Diagnosed 2018

  • Joanne Pratt, Diagnosed 2011 , MND Australia

    Joanne Pratt, Diagnosed 2011 , MND Australia

  • John and Loretta Russo, USA

    John and Loretta Russo, USA
    final3878

  • Fernando Ocampo Cardona, Colombia

    Fernando Ocampo Cardona, Colombia

  • Aida Trzmiel de Guterman, Asociacion ELA Argentina, Diagnosed 2007, Argentina

    Aida Trzmiel de Guterman, Asociacion ELA Argentina, Diagnosed 2007, Argentina

  • Amparo Muriel Engativa, Colombia

    Amparo Muriel Engativa, Colombia

  • Jorge Melo, ABrELA, Brazil

    Jorge Melo, ABrELA, Brazil

  • Brian Lovell, Diagnosed 2011 . MND Australia

    Brian Lovell, Diagnosed 2011 . MND Australia

  • Margreth Burger-Saile, Diagnosed 2011,  ALS Schweiz,  Switzerland

    Margreth Burger-Saile, Diagnosed 2011, ALS Schweiz, Switzerland

  • Daniel Hare

    Daniel Hare

  • Ana Lilia RodriguezApoyo Integral Gila A.C., Diagnosed 2018, Mexico

    Ana Lilia RodriguezApoyo Integral Gila A.C., Diagnosed 2018, Mexico

  • Kirsty Gerlach, MND New Zealand, Diagnosed 2017

    Kirsty Gerlach, MND New Zealand, Diagnosed 2017

  • Angela Jansen, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Muskelkranke e.V.-DGM, Diagnosed 1995, Germany

    Angela Jansen, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Muskelkranke e.V.-DGM, Diagnosed 1995, Germany

  • Juvenal Bayona Romero

    Juvenal Bayona Romero

  • Dawn Morton, Diagnosed 2014 , MND Scotland, UK

    Dawn Morton, Diagnosed 2014 , MND Scotland, UK

  • Eric Von Schaumburg, USA

    Eric Von Schaumburg, USA

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