Lifesaving Benefits of Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy for ALS Patients

When you are diagnosed ALS is a stressful time to both the sufferer as well as their loved ones. The neurodegenerative condition is progressive, ALS affects the nerves which control voluntary muscle movements and, consequently, decreases the ability of a patient to move, talk and breathe for a long time. In this case, deciding on a treatment plan immediately following diagnosis is crucial to ensure the patient's health and minimize the patient's physical and psychological discomfort.

Let's look at the advantages of occupational and physical therapy to ALS patients. We will discuss their role in relieving symptoms, ensuring the ability to function, and improving general well-being.

Understanding ALS

ALS is one of the conditions that are known as motor neuron disorders. Motor neuron diseases are neurodegenerative conditions which affect only motor neurons which are the cells that regulate the entire voluntary muscle system of the body. Like the name suggests, motor neurons are the ones accountable for the voluntary movement of muscles.

Also called Lou Gehrig's Disease Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis affects the brain of patients to communicate with muscles, which causes them to diminish and eventually end up dying. ALS is found in approximately 5-10% of patients however the causes of the remainder of cases are unclear. The cure isn't available for ALS, however treatment may slow the progress and increase functionality.

Occupational Therapy Interventions for ALS

The occupational therapy treatments for ALS are focused on enhancing daily functioning. Therapists in occupational therapy (OTs) collaborate closely with patients to determine their personal goals and tailor interventions to satisfy the needs of ALS patients.

In Plexus Bangalore as well as Hyderabad In both cities, our OTs are certified to address the individual needs of patients using a patient-centered approach that improves function and encourages an improved level of living.

Below are a few instances of occupational therapy techniques that we offer at Plexus that may benefit ALS patients:

Adaptive Equipment

After evaluating the patient's living surroundings After assessing the patient's home environment, after reviewing the environment of the patient, OTs suggest adaptive equipment that can help the patient achieve independence. Examples of adaptive equipment include mobility aids as well as assistive devices for eating and dressing, as well as mechanical modifications to the living area.

Energy Conservation Techniques

Fatigue caused by ALS is often debilitating. That's why our OTs concentrate on educating patients on effective ways to save energy and maximizing their ability to participate in activities that are purposeful during the course of their day.

Joint Protection Techniques

Muscle weakness is a common characteristic of ALS. As the disease progresses joints are more prone to stress. Our OTs apply joint protection techniques to lessen the stress on joints. This helps improve the functionality of your joints and reduces the possibility of injury or discomfort.

Modification of Activities

Our occupational therapists advise ALS patients to alter activities to accommodate their changing capabilities. One of these modifications is breaking down tasks in smaller (manageable) actions, employing methods of adaptation and utilizing other methods to meet everyday objectives.

The benefits in Occupational Therapy for patients suffering from ALS

As ALS develops and muscle degeneration increases the process becomes more difficult for patients to perform daily tasks independently. Occupational therapy can help enhance quality of life and help maintain as much independence as is possible. Typically, OT can help by assisting in the following ways:

Enhancing Independence

By employing adaptive methods and modification of task/activity, occupational therapy allows ALS patients to live independently in their everyday lives. This helps to increase the sense of autonomy and control especially in the more advanced phases of the disease.

Improved Quality of Life

OTs find activities that are purposeful and come up with strategies to help patients take part in these. This improves your quality of life and contributes to satisfaction and a sense of satisfaction.

Emotional Support

Being afflicted with ALS is often not a challenge emotionally. OTs provide an important emotional aid, helping patients deal with the psychological impacts of the disease and also aiding in the creation of coping strategies that are effective.

NOTE:In the context of making use of aids and assistive devices when it comes to occupational therapy it's important to involve the patient in taking the decisions. A lot of people are concerned of being unable to complete basic tasks by themselves and might not want to use assistive devices. Because of their personal preferences they tend to be more at ease and feel more in control of their treatment.

Physical Therapy for ALS Patients

Physical Therapy, also known as physiotherapy is an integral part of the holistic treatment of ALS patients. It's focus is on preserving mobility, preventing issues, and improving overall physical performance.

The right exercises can aid in maintaining muscle function for longer, making it easier to utilize assistive devices. This is accomplished by strengthening muscles that haven't yet had a negative impact from ALS and allowing the muscles to support weaker ones and enhance overall function. The physiotherapist will suggest an individual exercise plan to each patient based on the way their condition is getting worse and the types of aids that are used.

ALS Physical Therapy Treatment

In Plexus Bangalore as well as Hyderabad Our physical therapy programs for ALS are designed with in mind the gradual muscle weakness and impairment of motor function caused by the disease. These programs typically contain these exercises designed to ALS patients:

Range of Motion Exercises

Our physical therapists suggest specific exercises that help maintain joint flexibility and avoid contractures. Regular exercises in range of motion are also known to reduce the development of muscle tightness.

Strengthening Exercises

Focused strengthening exercises aid in slowing down the loss of muscles' function. Our physical therapists concentrate on maintaining strength in the important muscle groups, and tailoring them to the specific needs of the patient.

Breathing Exercises

Muscle weakness in the respiratory tract is a typical problem and a sign of ALS. Our physical therapists focus on improving respiratory function, increasing lung capacity, and perhaps slowing the development of respiratory problems.

Balance and Coordination Training

A lack of balance and coordination along with a higher risk of falling are typical signs of ALS. Physical therapists at our clinic recommend specific exercises that improve stability as well as balance and coordination. They also help reduce the chance of injury.

Benefits of Physical Therapy for ALS Patients

Here are the advantages from physical therapy ALS patients:

Prolonged independence

Improvement in symptom management

Delayed functional decline

Integration of Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy for ALS

The combination with occupational therapy and physical therapy can significantly increase the independence of patients, provide patients a higher quality of life and empower them to achieve more independently. A holistic treatment program can tackle both the emotional and functional aspects of the illness.

At Plexus our occupational therapists as well as physical therapists collaborate to ensure that treatment goals are aligned with the patient's hopes and needs. This goal-setting collaborative method that has allowed us to increase the effectiveness of ALS treatments, as well as constantly adapting our treatment plans.

Contact our team to learn more about our personalized Rehabilitation programs.

WhatsApp +91 89048 42087

Call +91 78159 64668 (Hyderabad) | +91 82299 99888 (Bangalore)

FAQsWhat is the best treatment to use for ALS patients?

The best treatment to treat ALS includes a multidisciplinary strategy which includes physical therapy, occupational therapy as well as speech therapy. At Plexus we also provide the regenerative therapy that utilizes stem cell therapy to control symptoms, keep functioning, and improve the levels of living in ALS patients.

What are the seven different stages that are associated with ALS?

ALS progress is usually classified into seven stages that range from the earliest symptoms to advanced symptoms and respiratory issues. Learn more about the seven different stages that ALS can take on here.

What are the warning signs of ALS?

Muscle weakness, twitching difficulties swallowing or speaking as well as muscle spasms, are a few of the most frequent symptoms of ALS.

A highly regarded neurologist and stem cell specialist, Dr Na’eem Sadiq studied neurology and clinical neurophysiology in London before working with some of England’s and the Middle East’s most prestigious medical institutions. He completed his MBBS