Emory Healthcare If you have amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also called Lou Gehrig’s disease, you may benefit from rehabilitation.
There is no known cure for ALS, and It can’t be reversed. Treatments aim to slow the progression of symptoms and help maintain independence.
Rehabilitation can help with coordination, balance and mobility. Your ALS rehabilitation team may include many services and specialists. They will create a custom plan for you.
Occupational therapists help with everyday activities like eating, dressing and bathing. These certified specialists suggest changes to your environment to improve your safety.
They also show you how to use devices, such as wheelchairs and grab bars, that help with mobility and physical function.
Orthotics are devices designed to improve movement and relieve stress on the body. Our specialists work with your physical and occupational therapists. They provide assistive devices for you like shoe inserts, braces and splints.
These tools can help decrease pain, provide support and prevent your joints from getting stiff and tight.
Physical therapists recommend exercises to help maintain your muscle strength and range of motion. They teach you techniques to maintain balance and prevent falls.
Physical therapists also can provide training to help you move. This includes using the bathroom and getting in and out of bed or a car.
Respiratory therapists focus on your breathing. They measure your respiratory strength and show you how to save energy.
Respiratory therapists also show you how to cough more effectively and use equipment to help you breathe.
Speech therapists provide techniques to help you communicate. This includes strengthening your throat muscles and saving energy to decrease fatigue. They also show you non-verbal communication options and how to use computer-based tools.
ALS makes it hard to swallow. Speech therapists teach strategies to help you swallow safely. Emory has a special program for swallowing disorders (dysphagia.)
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