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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

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

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

  • Maurice Leclerc, Canada

    Maurice Leclerc, Canada

  • Camilla Heiberg Freiberg, Muskelsvindfonden, Denmark

    Camilla Heiberg Freiberg, Muskelsvindfonden, Denmark

  • John and Loretta Russo, USA

    John and Loretta Russo, USA
    final3878

  • Carlos Alberto Báez Murillo, ACELA, Colombia

    Carlos Alberto Báez Murillo, ACELA, Colombia

  • Hollister

    Hollister
    hollister

  • Christian Bär, Germany

    Christian Bär, Germany

  • Fabio Carvalho

    Fabio Carvalho

  • Mike Rannie,  ALS Canada,  Diagnosed 2017

    Mike Rannie, ALS Canada, Diagnosed 2017

  • Feng Gin Sun, Diagnosed 2014 , Shaanxi ALS Association, China

    Feng Gin Sun, Diagnosed 2014 , Shaanxi ALS Association, China

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

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

  • Jose Espinosa, Argentina

    Jose Espinosa, Argentina

  • David Bishop

    David Bishop

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

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

  • João Marcos Andrietta, Diagnosed 2008 , ABrELA, Brazil

    João Marcos Andrietta, Diagnosed 2008 , ABrELA, Brazil

  • Nicholas (Nic) Bowman, MND Association of South Africa,  Diagnosed 2016,  Australia

    Nicholas (Nic) Bowman, MND Association of South Africa, Diagnosed 2016, Australia

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

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

  • Bjarne Hytjanstorp, ALS Norge, Norway

    Bjarne Hytjanstorp, ALS Norge, Norway

  • Sébastien Batiot, Diagnosed 2012 , ARSLA, France

    Sébastien Batiot, Diagnosed 2012 , ARSLA, France

  • Rolf Mauch, Association ALS Switzerland, Diagnosed 2015

    Rolf Mauch, Association ALS Switzerland, Diagnosed 2015

  • 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

  • Shay Rishoni, Diagnosed 2011 , Prize4Life, Israel

    Shay Rishoni, Diagnosed 2011 , Prize4Life, Israel

  • Steve

    Steve

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

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

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

    Laurie Petit-Jean, Diagnosed 2012 , ARSLA, France

  • Eddy LeFrançois, Diagnosed 1992,  ALS Canada

    Eddy LeFrançois, Diagnosed 1992, ALS Canada

  • Jean

    Jean
    jean

  • Daniel Hare

    Daniel Hare

  • Catherine Pearce, Australia

    Catherine Pearce, Australia

  • Sally Pauls, Diagnosed 2006 , Les Turner ALS Foundation

    Sally Pauls, Diagnosed 2006 , Les Turner ALS Foundation

  • Yessenia Hernandez Mendoza, Apoyo Integral Gila A.C., Diagnosed 2018, Mexico

    Yessenia Hernandez Mendoza, Apoyo Integral Gila A.C., Diagnosed 2018, Mexico

  • Brian Lovell, Diagnosed 2011 . MND Australia

    Brian Lovell, Diagnosed 2011 . MND Australia

  • Graham Johnson, MND Australia

    Graham Johnson, MND Australia

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

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

  • Frank "Papa" Taylor

    Frank “Papa” Taylor

  • Claudia Gotti, Brazil

    Claudia Gotti, Brazil

  • Paul Launer, USA

    Paul Launer, USA

  • Maria Santos Garcia Tellez, Diagnosed 2017 , FYADENMAC, Mexico

    Maria Santos Garcia Tellez, Diagnosed 2017 , FYADENMAC, Mexico

  • Liong Ting Ngu, MND Malaysia, Diagnosed 2014

    Liong Ting Ngu, MND Malaysia, Diagnosed 2014

  • Brian Parsons

    Brian Parsons

  • Jon Newsome, Les Turner ALS Foundation, USA

    Jon Newsome, Les Turner ALS Foundation, USA

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

    Danny Reviers, Diagnosed 1979 , ALS Liga België, Belgium

  • Ian and Teresa Roberts

    Ian and Teresa Roberts

  • JP

    JP

  • Zelina Brito, Diagnosed 2018, Brazil

    Zelina Brito, Diagnosed 2018, Brazil

  • Mauril Bélanger, Diagnosed 2015 , ALS Canada

    Mauril Bélanger, Diagnosed 2015 , ALS Canada

  • Jean Waters, Diagnosed 2004, MND Association of England, Wales and N Ireland

    Jean Waters, Diagnosed 2004, MND Association of England, Wales and N Ireland

  • Brigitte Wernli,  Association ALS Switzerland,  Diagnosed 2014

    Brigitte Wernli, Association ALS Switzerland, Diagnosed 2014

  • Soledad Rodriguez, FUNDELA, Diagnosed 2013, Spain

    Soledad Rodriguez, FUNDELA, Diagnosed 2013, Spain

  • Bruno Leanza Mantegna, Diagnosed 1999 , AISLA Onlus, Italy

    Bruno Leanza Mantegna, Diagnosed 1999 , AISLA Onlus, Italy

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