If you have MS, a rehabilitation plan can help you maintain the levels you set for yourself in all areas of your life: physical, psychological, social, vocational, and spiritual. Each rehabilitation plan is individualized to match the goals and needs of each person with MS.
Who can help you create a rehabilitation plan? You can start by discussing it with your neurologist, or general care physician, and request the necessary referrals. Some professionals who might help you develop a plan are occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech therapists, vocational rehabilitation specialists, psychologists and counselors.
Dr. Marie Valleroy, a Portland Physiatrist for Rehabilitation Medicine Associates, recently spoke about rehabilitation to a group of people with MS. The following is a quote from her presentation: “We hope to bring help for unnecessary suffering; we want to be doing prevention work to avoid unnecessary disability and discouragement.” Dr. Valleroy makes recommendations based on the specific issues that her patients discuss with her. An occupational therapist might help a person manage fatigue, or assist in making modifications in the workplace. A physical therapist would assist a person start a safe, supervised exercise plan. A speech therapist could assist someone with cognitive issues, such as memory loss.
In MS, the focus of rehabilitation may be the prevention of disability, or a return to optimal function following an MS attack. Below are some resources available should you wish to learn more about this topic.
Managing MS Through Rehabilitation
Many common problems caused by symptoms of MS can be addressed through rehabilitation strategies. This 24-page NMSS booklet describes some basic rehabilitation strategies and where to go for rehabilitation advice. Read it online here.
The Path Back From an MS Attack
A 113 page manual written by experts who presented information at the 2005 North American Education Conference about Rehabilitation. Topics covered in the manual: A basic overview of multiple sclerosis; ways that rehabilitation strategies help people maintain or regain physical, psychological, social and vocational potential and quality of life; and a description of current MS research.
Borrow a copy or watch the information by borrowing the video from our lending library
A Therapy for Your Occupations
This article was written by Chris Lombardi, and appeared in the January-March 2005 edition of InsideMS. This article describes the rehabilitation process and stresses that it becomes a life-long process as well as helpful. Read it online here.
A Therapy for Your Functions
This article was written by Chris Lombardi, and appeared in the July-September 2004 edition of Inside MS. This article describes the work done by Cinda Hugos, MS, PT, at the MS Center of Oregon Health & Science University as she helped a person with MS develop an individualized plan. Read it online here.