Rehabilitation in MS

The National MS Society is pleased to offer Rehabilitation in Multiple Sclerosis: Strategies for Physical and Occupations Therapists. Developed by the Research and Clinical Programs Department, the program is offered by the Society at locations around the country.

Upcoming Programs

To find out if your chapter of the National MS Society is planning a program, contact your chapterat 1-800-344-4867. Or contact the Professional Resource Center for help in finding a program location near you.

Program Description

Multiple sclerosis (MS), an immune-mediated disease of the central nervous system, is diagnosed most commonly between the ages of 20 and 50. Although MS was first described more than 140 years ago, the cause and cure are still unknown. Young adults who are diagnosed with MS will be living with its impact for decades. The symptoms, including fatigue, impaired ambulation, visual disturbances, bowel and bladder problems, and cognitive changes, vary from one individual to another and for any given individual over time. Rehabilitation has both restorative and maintenance goals in MS. Resourceful, skilled rehabilitation therapists can help people with MS maximize independence, productivity, comfort, and self-care over the course of the disease, with an emphasis on maintaining mobility, safety, and quality of life as the disease progresses.

Who Should Attend?

This program is directed to physical therapists, occupational therapists and other rehabilitation professionals interested in learning more about MS and working with people with MS.

Program Topics

Overview of multiple sclerosis
Overview of rehabilitation in MS
ICF: MS & Body Structures and Function - Part I

• Fatigue/heat intolerance
• Spasticity
• Weakness
• Balance dysfunction
• Coordination/Tremor

ICF: MS & Body Structures and Function – Part II

• Cognitive dysfunction
• Sensory impairment
• Pain
• Affective disorders

ICF: MS & Body Structures and Function – Part III

• Vision impairments
• Speech and swallowing impairments
• Bowel and bladder dysfunction
• Sexual dysfunction

ICF: MS & Activities and Participation

• Functional mobility
• Activities of daily living/Intellectual activities of daily living

ICF: MS & Environmental Factors

• Assistive technology
• Home modifications
• Driving adaptations
• ADA
• Help returning to life roles
• Exercise and wellness

Help from the National MS Society

Program Format

This 6-hour live program consists of lectures, case discussions, and question-and-answers presented by rehabilitation professionals experienced in working with people affected by MS and other chronic, disabling diseases.

Learning Objectives

Active participants in this program will be better able to

• Discuss multiple sclerosis including disease course classification, treatment strategies Identify and apply appropriate rehabilitation assessment tools and methods
• Develop - in collaboration with the patient, family and other health care team members - realistic rehabilitation goals for patients presenting with a wide range of functional problems
• Implement appropriate rehabilitation interventions including exercise programs, assistive devices and adaptive strategies
• Refer health care professionals and people with MS to community-based resources and relevant publications

Continuing Education Credit

Chapters that offer this daylong, 6-hour live program work with local CE providers to offer continuing education credits for physical therapists and occupational therapists. Please contact the chapter directly for more information.