Physical Therapy Enhances Benefit of Ampyra
At our May meeting, Dr. Laganke suggested adding physical therapy when starting Ampyra may enhance the gains you make in motor skills and walking. If you would like to schedule an appointment to see if this would be helpful for you, call us at 256-509-4398.
Physical Therapy Enhances Benefit of Ampyra
Ampyra is a medication used to improve walking in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Studies show patient who take Ampyra had an increase in walking speed in clinical trials. Exactly how it works is not known. It is thought to increase nerve function. Dr. Chris Laganke spoke at the Huntsville MS Awareness Group and explained how Ampyra is thought to work and how to decide if you are a candidate for Ampyra. He suggested attending physical therapy when starting Ampyra may enhance the gains made in motor skills and walking.
The goal of physical therapy is to maintain physical functioning, safety, quality of life, and independence. Your physical therapist (PT) will use a range of interventions to help you achieve these goals, including:
- Education about physical symptoms of MS and what you can do to alleviate these symptoms
- An individualized exercise program to address symptoms and maximize health and physical function
- Aids and adaptive equipment for home, office, and automobile to enhance mobility and functionality
- Physical therapy interventions (massage, ultrasound) to address specific impairments
- Use of community resources that support goals of physical therapy
Therapy Achievements is a Rehabilitation Center that provides out-patient Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Speech Therapy. We have programs for Balance and Movement, Speech and Swallowing, Swelling from Lymphedema and Edema, Driving Rehabilitation and Functional Living Skills for visual and cognitive re-training. We help people with Brain Injury, Stroke, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's Disease, Lymphedema, Head and Neck Cancer, and other disorders that interfere with mobility and function. We offer VitalStim Technology, Saebo Technology, LSVT LOUD Treatment, LSVT BIG Treatment, and Neurodevelopmental Treatment.