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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

  • David Watson,  MND Scotland,  Diagnosed 2018

    David Watson, MND Scotland, Diagnosed 2018

  • Lucy Lintott, Diagnosed 2013 , MND Scotland, UK

    Lucy Lintott, Diagnosed 2013 , MND Scotland, UK

  • Norm MacIsaac,  ALS Society of Canada,  ALS Society of Quebec,  Diagnosed 2014

    Norm MacIsaac, ALS Society of Canada, ALS Society of Quebec, Diagnosed 2014

  • Guoqiang Xu, Diagnosed 2016 , Shaanxi ALS Association, China

    Guoqiang Xu, Diagnosed 2016 , Shaanxi ALS Association, China

  • Orlando Ruiz, Diagnosed 2001,  ACELA, Colombia

    Orlando Ruiz, Diagnosed 2001, ACELA, Colombia

  • Imelda Arenas, ACELA, Colombia

    Imelda Arenas, ACELA, Colombia

  • Chen Yin Xue, Taiwan MND Association, Diagnosed 1995, Taiwan

    Chen Yin Xue, Taiwan MND Association, Diagnosed 1995, Taiwan

  • Shera Mukherjee, Diagnosed 2013,  Asha Ek Hope Foundation, India

    Shera Mukherjee, Diagnosed 2013, Asha Ek Hope Foundation, India

  • Bob Simonds and Drew O'Neill , Les Turner ALS Foundation, USA

    Bob Simonds and Drew O’Neill , Les Turner ALS Foundation, USA

  • Bob Simonds and Drew O'Neil, USA

    Bob Simonds and Drew O’Neil, USA

  • Liam Dwyer, England

    Liam Dwyer, England

  • Francisco Perez Palop, Diagnosed 2013 , FUNDELA, Spain

    Francisco Perez Palop, Diagnosed 2013 , FUNDELA, Spain

  • IMG_2658

    IMG_2658

  • Oliver Juenke, Germany

    Oliver Juenke, Germany

  • Alfredo Santos, Diagnosed 2013 , ACELA, Colombia

    Alfredo Santos, Diagnosed 2013 , ACELA, Colombia

  • Frank "Papa" Taylor

    Frank “Papa” Taylor

  • Irene McCaughey, Diagnosed 2011,  MND Australia

    Irene McCaughey, Diagnosed 2011, MND Australia

  • Joy Blakeley, Diagnosed 2017 , MND Australia

    Joy Blakeley, Diagnosed 2017 , MND Australia

  • Catherine Pearce, Australia

    Catherine Pearce, Australia

  • Shay Rishoni

    Shay Rishoni

  • Ann Nicol

    Ann Nicol

  • Fabio Correia

    Fabio Correia

  • Steven Spencer, Diagnosed 2014 , MND New Zealand

    Steven Spencer, Diagnosed 2014 , MND New Zealand

  • IMG_1211

    IMG_1211

  • Soledad Rodriguez, FUNDELA, Diagnosed 2013, Spain

    Soledad Rodriguez, FUNDELA, Diagnosed 2013, Spain

  • Dad

    Dad

  • Bayley, Australia

    Bayley, Australia

  • Maria Lucia Wood Saldanha, Associação Pró-Cura da ELA, Brazil

    Maria Lucia Wood Saldanha, Associação Pró-Cura da ELA, Brazil

  • Jette Odgaard Villemoes, Muskelsvindfonden, Denmark

    Jette Odgaard Villemoes, Muskelsvindfonden, Denmark

  • Malcolm Buck, Australia

    Malcolm Buck, Australia

  • Ismail Gokcek, Turkey

    Ismail Gokcek, Turkey
    ismail_gokcek_alsmnd_tr

  • Chris McCauley, Diagnosed 2015 , ALS Canada

    Chris McCauley, Diagnosed 2015 , ALS Canada

  • Eric Von Schaumburg, USA

    Eric Von Schaumburg, USA

  • Elisabeth Zahnd, Switzerland

    Elisabeth Zahnd, Switzerland

  • Carlos Gomez Matallanas, Diagnosed 2014 , FUNDELA, Spain

    Carlos Gomez Matallanas, Diagnosed 2014 , FUNDELA, Spain

  • Conny van der Meijden, Diagnosed 2001,  ALS Netherlands

    Conny van der Meijden, Diagnosed 2001, ALS Netherlands

  • Willi Klein

    Willi Klein

  • Horacio Fritzer, Argentina

    Horacio Fritzer, Argentina

  • Hans Dieter Olszewski, Diagnosed 2010 , DGM, Germany

    Hans Dieter Olszewski, Diagnosed 2010 , DGM, Germany

  • Danny Reviers, Diagnosed 1979 , ALS Liga België, Belgium

    Danny Reviers, Diagnosed 1979 , ALS Liga België, Belgium

  • Frank "Papa" Taylor, USA

    Frank “Papa” Taylor, USA

  • Laurie Petit-Jean, Diagnosed 2012 , ARSLA, France

    Laurie Petit-Jean, Diagnosed 2012 , ARSLA, France

  • Juvenal Bayona Romero

    Juvenal Bayona Romero

  • Andrea Zicchieri, Associazione conSLAncio Onlus, Italy

    Andrea Zicchieri, Associazione conSLAncio Onlus, Italy
    AndreaZicchieri_conSLAncioItaly

  • Dorette Lüdi, Diagnosed 2014 , ALS Schweiz, Switzerland

    Dorette Lüdi, Diagnosed 2014 , ALS Schweiz, Switzerland

  • Enzo Maccarrone, AISLA ONLUS, Italy

    Enzo Maccarrone, AISLA ONLUS, Italy

  • Fabrice Kamp, Germany

    Fabrice Kamp, Germany

  • Phil Rossall, MND-Association, UK

    Phil Rossall, MND-Association, UK

  • Tison, USA

    Tison, USA

  • Rolf Mauch, Association ALS Switzerland, Diagnosed 2015

    Rolf Mauch, Association ALS Switzerland, Diagnosed 2015

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