Everyday Life With ALS: A Practical Guide

If you have ALS, or care for someone who does, this practical guide will answer many of your questions about equipment, therapies and accessibility that arise over the course of the disease.

Chapter 4 - Mobility & Support Equipment

Your freedom of movement or mobility — whether in your home or outside it — will contribute to your ability to enjoy life. Chapter 4 presents various types of equipment that will help you to maintain your mobility. The chapter also addresses supports for your head and neck and your hands.

The Role of the Physical Therapist

A physical therapist is a gross motor movement specialist –- someone trained to help you perform activities that use major muscle groups, such as walking, rising from a chair, and getting in and out of bed. Physical therapists also are involved in prescribing appropriate exercise programs. Their primary goal is to keep you safely functioning at as high a level as possible for as long as possible.

Your PT’s services can help improve mobility, relieve pain, and delay or limit development of permanent physical disabilities. With these techniques PTs can help you restore, maintain, and promote overall fitness and health.

At MDA/ALS centers, PTs who are experienced in working with people with ALS are on staff or available by referral. The PT will become an important part of your health care team.

At various stages during your life with ALS, a PT will assess your level of function by performing evaluations and tests. This may include testing to see how strong you are, how flexible you are, and/or a balance assessment. Based on these assessments, the PT can advise you on appropriate equipment usage, such as what types of assistive devices are best for you in several areas of your everyday life.

They also will assess your home environment to make sure your home is a safe place for you. They may make suggestions regarding bathroom safety and home modifications.

Physical therapists will also assist you with your choices of equipment to help you walk, move or maintain your mobility level, including a wheelchair. Choosing a wheelchair can be difficult. There are many types of wheelchairs and feature options available. Discussing your needs and questions with your PT will help her recommend the best chair and the most appropriate features for you.