Physiotherapy for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Physiotherapy for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Degeneration begins in the corticospinal tracts and spreads downwards to the anterior horns and the nerve roots. Thus, it can appear as an upper motor neuron disease and end as one of the lower motor neurons.

Clinical Features Of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

The disease begins as spastic paralysis in the fingers and hands then spreads up the arms, the upper limb At the same time, muscles of the limb partially or completely waste away very slowly as the anterior horns cells degenerate. Ultimately, therefore, the spasticity disappears, and its place is taken by flaccidity, the symptoms due to the lesion of the lower motor neuron masking those caused by that of the upper motor neuron..

Patients have difficulty swallowing with increased salivation, which can lead to choking.  Dysarthria may occur with speech becoming indistinct or impossible.

Management of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

As there is no cure for these diseases, medical and health care professionals have an important role in supporting these patients and trying to maintain independence as long as possible. Many services are usually requiredincluding nursing, speech therapy, etc.

Physiotherapy For Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Physiotherapy Treatment will depend on the particular problems presented by a patient. If there is specificity, it may cause considerable discomfort to the patient and prevent normal function. Active or assisted active movement will help to maintain range of movement. However, if active movement is not possible, passive movement can maintain the range of movement.

When the muscles are weak, physiotherapists advise the patient to carry out patial or passive movement. The patient should make use of the muscles to maintain function for as long as possible. This is very necessary as stiff joints may make it very difficult for carers to move the patient.

In these situations, the Physiotherapist ensures that there is regular monitoring of the physical condition of the patient. Patients with respiratory issues will require breathing exercises and help with removing any secretions.

Change of position may help the patient, but postural drainage positions, especially for the lower lobes, are usually too stressful. Because, patients can suffer a great deal of discomfort from poor positioning, the Physiotherapist will help them to find a comfortable position which will not encourage deformity. Physiotherapists give all the encouragement and sympathy possible to enable the patient maintain independence as long as possible.

Effective Physiotherapy & Fitness Clinic is here for you if you’re having the above problem or know someone with the same issues.

Address: No 2D Ajumgobia F.I.A Close, Behind Upland Mall, Opposite Conoil Filling Station, Kado Estate, Abuja. Phone number: +234 803 436 5055 or +234 811 885 6060  +234 9098604470

Website: www.effectivephysio.com
Twitter: @effectvphysio
Facebook: EffectivePhysiotherapyClinic