Lifesaving benefits of physiotherapy and occupational therapy for ALS Patients

 When you are diagnosed ALS is a difficult time and for the person suffering as well as their loved ones. A progressive neurodegenerative disease, ALS affects the nerves that regulate voluntary muscle movement and, consequently, decreases the ability of a patient to speak, move, and even breathe for a long period of time. In this case, embarking with a treatment program as soon following diagnosis is crucial to ensure the patient's health and minimize the patient's physical and psychological discomfort.

Let's explore the advantages of occupational and physical therapy to ALS patients. We will discuss their role in easing symptoms, preserving functional independence, and encouraging overall health.

Understanding ALS

ALS is one of a set of diseases that are known as motor neuron disorders. Motor neuron disorders are neurodegenerative diseases that affect only motor neurons - cells that regulate all the voluntary muscles in the body. The name implies that motor neurons are the ones accountable for the voluntary movement of the body.

Also called Lou Gehrig's Disease Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis disables the brain of a patient to communicate with muscles, which causes them to shrink and then cease to function and eventually. ALS is found in approximately 5-10% patients, however the causes of the rest of them are not known. It is not possible to cure ALS, however treatment can slow down the progression and increase performance.

Occupational Therapie Interventions to Treat ALS

Interventions in occupational therapy for ALS concentrate on improving the quality of life. Therapists in occupational therapy (OTs) collaborate with patients to establish personal goals and tailor interventions to meet the specific needs of ALS.

In Plexus Bangalore in Bangalore and Hyderabad Our OTs are certified to address the individual needs of patients using a patient-centered approach which improves the functionality and contributes to better level of living.

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

adaptive equipment

After evaluating the patient's living surroundings after assessing the home environment of the patient, after assessing the patient's home environment, our OTs suggest adaptive equipment to aid in independence. Examples of adaptive equipment include aids for mobility as well as assistive devices for eating and dressing, as well as mechanized adjustments to the living area.

Energy Conservation Techniques

Fatigue caused by ALS can be life-threatening. This is the reason our OTs concentrate on educating patients on how to reduce energy consumption, as well as improving their ability to participate in meaningful tasks throughout the 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 reduce stress on joints. This helps improve the functionality of your joints and reduces the possibility of injury or discomfort.

Modifications of Activity

Our occupational therapists advise ALS patients to alter their activities in accordance with their evolving capabilities. These modifications can include breaking down tasks in smaller (manageable) actions, employing methods of adaptation and utilizing other methods to meet everyday objectives.

The benefits from Occupational Therapy for patients with ALS

As ALS develops and muscle degeneration increases the process becomes more difficult for patients to complete daily tasks independently. The OT helps 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 may increase a feeling of autonomy and control particularly in the more advanced phases of the disease.

Enhanced Qualitative of Life

OTs determine the purposeful activities they can engage in and devise strategies to assist patients take part in these. This improves your quality of life and can also help to create an overall sense of purpose and satisfaction.

emotional support

Being afflicted with ALS is often not a challenge emotionally. The OTs can provide valuable emotional assistance, in helping patients manage the psychological effects of the disease and aiding in the creation of effective coping strategies.

Notification:In the context of the use of assistive devices and aids for occupational therapy it is crucial to involve the patient in the process of making decisions. Many patients are worried of being unable to complete basic tasks independently and could be hesitant to use an assistive device. Because of their personal preferences they tend to be more at ease and feel more in control of their treatment.

Physical Therapy for patients with ALS

Physical Therapy, also referred to as physiotherapy is a key element in the holistic treatment for ALS patients. It's focus is on maintaining mobility, preventing the development of further problems, and optimizing the overall function of your body.

The right exercises can assist in keeping muscle strength longer and allow you to more easily make use of assistive devices. This is accomplished by strengthening muscles that haven't yet been afflicted by ALS which allows the muscles to support weaker ones and improve overall performance. The physiotherapist will suggest an individual exercise plan to each patient based on the way their condition is developing and the type of aids they use.

ALS Rehabilitation Treatment for Physical Therapy

In Plexus Bangalore in Bangalore and Hyderabad the physical therapy classes for ALS are developed with in mind the progression of muscle weakness and impairment of motor function that is a result of the disease. The programs usually include these exercises designed to ALS patients:

Move of the Body Exercises

Our physical therapists suggest specific exercises to help maintain joint flexibility and to prevent contractures. Regular exercises in range of motion have also been proven to reduce the development of muscle tightness.

Exercises for Strengthening

Focused strengthening exercises aid in slowing down the loss of the muscle's function. Physical therapists at our clinic focus on strengthening specific muscle groups, adapted to the individual's needs.

Exercises for Breathing

Muscle weakness in the respiratory tract is a typical sign and cause of concern in ALS. Physical therapists are working towards improving respiratory function, strengthening lung capacity, and perhaps slowing the development of respiratory problems.

Course on Balance, Coordination and Training

A lack of balance and coordination along with the increased risk of falling are the most common signs of ALS. Physical therapists at our clinic recommend specific exercises that improve stability balance, coordination, and balance. These exercises can also decrease the chance of injury.

The benefits from Physical Therapy for those suffering from ALS

Here are the advantages that physical therapy can bring to ALS patients:

Prolonged independence

Improvement in symptom management

Delayed functional decline

The integration of Occupational Therapy along with Physical Therapy to treat ALS

The combination with occupational therapy and physical therapy will greatly increase the patient's autonomy, give the patient a better quality life, and allow patients to be more independent independently. A holistic approach to treatment 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 collaborative goal-setting method that has allowed us to increase the effectiveness of ALS treatments, as well as constantly adapting our treatment plans.

Contact us for more information about our custom-designed rehab programs.

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FAQs

What is the most effective treatment that is suitable for ALS patients?

The most effective treatment that can be used to manage ALS includes a multidisciplinary strategy that includes occupational therapy, physical therapy therapy as well as speech therapy. At Plexus we also provide Regenerative rehabilitation, which involves stem cells to treat symptoms, improve function and improve living quality to ALS patients.

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

ALS development is generally classified into seven stages that range from early signs to advanced respiratory problems. 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 just a few of the most frequently reported symptoms of ALS.