Physiotherapy for people with motor neurone disease (MND)

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equipment at some point in your progression. These can be sourced though a physiotherapist, an occupational therapist, other health and social care professionals or through private purchase. Assistive aids and equipment can help to prolong or improve: • independence with daily tasks and routines (eg adapted tools and utensils) • personal mobility (eg from ankle and foot supports, known as orthoses, to walking frames and wheelchairs) • comfort and positioning (eg recliner chairs and proforma beds) • physical well-being (eg head supports, should you experience muscle weakness in the neck, shoulder girdle, and long back extensor muscles). Please note: Before buying equipment always seek advice from your physiotherapist and/or occupational therapist. A community/district nurse can also advise on suitable equipment in the home, such as adapted seating and profiling beds. Not all aids are suitable for every individual and mistakes can be costly. You may have to try things to see if they work. Or try them again later if your needs change. Something may work for a short while, then no longer be suitable. Assessment of your needs should take into account your likely future needs. “The initial orthoses which were offered were stiff plastic devices which were no help. I was then offered ‘foot ups’ which were made of fabric and offered much more flexibility.” Person living with MND Some items will be available free through statutory services (those provided by health services or social services), so it is worth seeking assessment of your needs to find out what is available. Pain relief and other therapies You may experience twinges, aches, cramps and muscle stiffness, which can be uncomfortable at times. Inactivity or sitting for long periods of time can make this worse. Your physiotherapist or GP may be able to offer, or give advice about, various methods of pain relief, including: • transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), where a small machine uses electrical pulses to stimulate the body’s natural pain defenses • local application of heat or ice 8
• pain-relieving medication. Complementary therapies: Some people with MND find complementary therapies can relieve certain symptoms. A wide range of therapies can be accessed, such as massage, acupuncture and reflexology (see Further information at the end of this sheet for details about Information sheet 13 – Complementary therapies). Water therapy (hydrotherapy): The use of water therapy (known as hydrotherapy), can also provide a supportive environment for exercise, particularly for assisted and passive exercise. The buoyancy of water can have a stress-relieving effect on joints, which may also improve breathing, circulation, digestion and promote a sense of well being. “Utilising the buoyancy of the human body in water, the participant can be handled easily by the physiotherapist. Away from the pull of gravity the individual can achieve a feeling of weightlessness and freedom not accessible on dry land. As a result they may be able to move weak or painful limbs that are too difficult on land.” Heather Taylor, physiotherapist Programmes using hydrotherapy for neurological conditions may not be available in all areas, but it is worth asking your GP and health team if a referral is possible. Your physiotherapist can advise about which therapies and exercise routines would be appropriate for specific needs. Music therapy: Some people with MND have reported that music therapy has been a calming process, helping to reduce stress levels. Music therapy can also enable emotional and creative expression. Again, ask your GP, physiotherapist or health team if any qualified therapists exist in your region and if a referral is possible. If not, they may be able to advise on how best to search for this type of therapy should you wish to make enquiries further afield. Other organisations Please note: the MND Association does not necessarily endorse any of the services listed here. They are included to give you an idea of the organisations available. The British Association of Occupational Therapists The professional body for all occupational therapy staff in the United Kingdom with information on how to find an OT. College of Occupational Therapists 106-114 Borough High Street, Southwark, London SE1 1LB Telephone: 020 7357 6480 Email: Reception@cot.co.uk Website: www.cot.co.uk 9
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Physiotherapy for people with motor neurone disease (MND)

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