Have you tried physical therapy and/or occupational therapy and felt like it did not help your MS symptoms?  It’s likely you will still benefit from physical therapy, but you need a therapist with the right tools in their tool belt to achieve optimal results.

There are two important points to consider in finding the right care for your MS needs:

1. Finding the right physical therapist (PT) -   PTs can specialize just like doctors.  A PT who specializes in treating neurological and balance deficits often offers the best care for MS.
2. Finding the right setting - Look for outpatient neurologic therapy if it is available in your area.  MS specialists are more often in the outpatient neuro departments, but can sometimes be found in home health.

A great place to start looking for a physical therapist in your area is through the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) specialists website.  Check out their website for someone with a Neurologic Certified Specialist designation (NCS). http://www.apta.org/apta/findapt/index.aspx?navID=10737422525

A bit about Julie...Julie Hom, MPT, NCS is a physical therapist specializing in the treatment of Multiple Sclerosis and balance and fall prevention.  She is a Neurologic Certified Specialist (NCS) through the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) which is a certification confirming higher skills and knowledge with respect to neurological disorders. Click here to read more about Julie...http://www.healthcarejourney.com/read-about-our-virtual-ms-center-staff.html
Note:  the information that is being provided is for "Advice Only" for individuals in California.

Standing frames are devices used to offer the benefits of assisted weight-bearing in stance.  They are used for individuals who have difficulty standing on their own.  An individual transfers into the chair of the frame and then uses a lever to crank the seat up into a standing position.  There are many different types of frames with varying features.

The benefits of standing are multifold including:

• Pressure ulcer prevention/ skin pressure relief

• Muscle contracture management

• Lower extremity spasticity reduction

• Improved bowel and bladder function

• Standing endurance/tolerance training

• Psychological benefits such as being eye level for interpersonal interactions

• Bone density influences

• Respiratory benefits

 
Speak with your health care provider to determine if you will benefit from the use of a standing frame.  Some insurances will cover the cost of a standing frame with appropriate justifications and documentation from your provider.

--Julie Hom

A bit about Julie...Julie Hom, MPT, NCS is a physical therapist specializing in the treatment of Multiple Sclerosis and balance and fall prevention.  She is a Neurologic Certified Specialist (NCS) through the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) which is a certification confirming higher skills and knowledge with respect to neurological disorders. Click here to read more about Julie...http://www.healthcarejourney.com/read-about-our-virtual-ms-center-staff.html
Note:  the information that is being provided is for "Advice Only" for individuals in California.