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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: Dutch, 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

  • Joanne Pratt, Diagnosed 2011 - MND Australia

    Joanne Pratt, Diagnosed 2011 – MND Australia

  • Josée Kolijn-de Man, Diagnosed 2015 - ALS Patients Connected, The Netherlands

    Josée Kolijn-de Man, Diagnosed 2015 – ALS Patients Connected, The Netherlands

  • Catherine Pearce, Australia

    Catherine Pearce, Australia

  • Orlando Ruiz, Diagnosed 2001 - ACELA, Colombia

    Orlando Ruiz, Diagnosed 2001 – ACELA, Colombia

  • Mark Miller

    Mark Miller

  • Fernando Ocampo Cardona, Colombia

    Fernando Ocampo Cardona, Colombia

  • Roy

    Roy
    roy

  • Jo Knowlton and her dog, Scotland

    Jo Knowlton and her dog, Scotland

  • Ali Var, Turkey

    Ali Var, Turkey

  • Guido De Mets, Belgium

    Guido De Mets, Belgium

  • Mike Rannie, ALS Canada, Diagnosed 2017, Canada

    Mike Rannie, ALS Canada, Diagnosed 2017, Canada

  • Elisabeth Zahnd, Switzerland

    Elisabeth Zahnd, Switzerland

  • Stephanie Christiansen Hall, Canada

    Stephanie Christiansen Hall, Canada

  • Zelina-Brito-Diagnosed-2018-Brazil

    Zelina-Brito-Diagnosed-2018-Brazil

  • Joyce Rusinak, Forbes Norris ALS Center, USA

    Joyce Rusinak, Forbes Norris ALS Center, USA

  • Jack Buzby, USA

    Jack Buzby, USA

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

    Danny Reviers, Diagnosed 1979 – ALS Liga België, Belgium

  • Liong Ting Ngu, MND Malaysia, Diagnosed 2014, Malaysia

    Liong Ting Ngu, MND Malaysia, Diagnosed 2014, Malaysia

  • Ailsa Malcolm-Hutton, Diagnosed 2013 - MND Association of England, Wales and N Ireland

    Ailsa Malcolm-Hutton, Diagnosed 2013 – MND Association of England, Wales and N Ireland

  • Shay Rishoni, Diagnosed 2011 - Prize4Life, Israel

    Shay Rishoni, Diagnosed 2011 – Prize4Life, Israel

  • Marcel R. Wernard, Diagnosed 2016 - ALS Patients Connected, The Netherlands

    Marcel R. Wernard, Diagnosed 2016 – ALS Patients Connected, The Netherlands

  • Philip Brindle, MND Association, Diagnosed 2015, England

    Philip Brindle, MND Association, Diagnosed 2015, England

  • David Bishop

    David Bishop

  • Osiel Mendoza, Diagnosed 2016 - ALS Therapy Development Institute, USA

    Osiel Mendoza, Diagnosed 2016 – ALS Therapy Development Institute, USA

  • Colm Francis Davis, Ireland

    Colm Francis Davis, Ireland

  • 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

  • Dorette Lüdi, Diagnosed 2014 - ALS Schweiz, Switzerland

    Dorette Lüdi, Diagnosed 2014 – ALS Schweiz, Switzerland

  • Alberto Baez Murillo, Colombia

    Alberto Baez Murillo, Colombia

  • Elkin Ramiro Gaviria Muñoz, Diagnosed  December 2018

    Elkin Ramiro Gaviria Muñoz, Diagnosed December 2018

  • Christian Bär, Germany

    Christian Bär, Germany

  • Chen Chun-Chin

    Chen Chun-Chin

  • Conny van der Meijden, Diagnosed 2001 - ALS Netherlands

    Conny van der Meijden, Diagnosed 2001 – ALS Netherlands

  • Joy Blakeley, Diagnosed 2017 - MND Australia

    Joy Blakeley, Diagnosed 2017 – MND Australia

  • Lachlan Terry, MND Australia, Diagnosed 2015, Australia

    Lachlan Terry, MND Australia, Diagnosed 2015, Australia

  • Cath Muir

    Cath Muir
    Cath

  • David Watson, MND Scotland, Diagnosed 2018, Scotland

    David Watson, MND Scotland, Diagnosed 2018, Scotland

  • Inta Grubb, Diagnosed 2014 - MND Australia

    Inta Grubb, Diagnosed 2014 – MND Australia

  • Phil Rossall, MND-Association, UK

    Phil Rossall, MND-Association, UK

  • Frank "Papa" Taylor

    Frank “Papa” Taylor

  • Duncan Bayly - MND Australia

    Duncan Bayly – MND Australia

  • Roxana Canova, Diagnosed 2012 - Asociación ELA Argentina

    Roxana Canova, Diagnosed 2012 – Asociación ELA Argentina

  • Rolf Mauch, Association ALS Switzerland, Diagnosed 2015, Switzerland

    Rolf Mauch, Association ALS Switzerland, Diagnosed 2015, Switzerland

  • Eddy LeFrançois, Diagnosed 1992 - ALS Canada

    Eddy LeFrançois, Diagnosed 1992 – ALS Canada

  • Steven Gallagher, Canada

    Steven Gallagher, Canada

  • Sally Pauls, Diagnosed 2006 - Les Turner ALS Foundation

    Sally Pauls, Diagnosed 2006 – Les Turner ALS Foundation

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

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

  • Charlie “Hark” Dourney, Diagnosed 2007 - Hark ALS, USA

    Charlie “Hark” Dourney, Diagnosed 2007 – Hark ALS, USA

  • Mary Thomas, Diagnosed 2013 - MND Australia

    Mary Thomas, Diagnosed 2013 – MND Australia

  • Brian Lovell, Diagnosed 2011 - MND Australia

    Brian Lovell, Diagnosed 2011 – MND Australia

  • Juvenal Bayona Romero

    Juvenal Bayona Romero

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