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Mobile Rehab provides in-home, outpatient Physical Therapy for seniors.
Convenient
Personalized
Covered by insurance
Locally owned and operated in North Carolina since 2004
What is multiple sclerosis?
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological condition that affects the central nervous system (CNS), which includes the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. MS occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the myelin sheath, a protective coating that surrounds nerve fibers in the CNS. This leads to inflammation, damage, and scarring (sclerosis) of the affected areas, which can interfere with the transmission of nerve signals.
MS is a progressive disease, meaning that it can worsen over time, and its symptoms can vary widely depending on the location and extent of the damage in the CNS. The most common symptoms of MS include fatigue, weakness, numbness or tingling in the limbs, difficulty with coordination and balance, blurred or double vision, and cognitive problems such as difficulty with memory or concentration. MS can also cause bladder and bowel problems, sexual dysfunction, and depression.
There are several types of MS, including relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS), which is characterized by periods of relapse and remission, and progressive MS, which can occur either from the onset of the disease (primary progressive MS) or after a period of relapsing-remitting MS (secondary progressive MS).
What are the symptoms of multiple sclerosis?
The symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS) can vary widely depending on the location and extent of the damage in the central nervous system (CNS). Some of the most common symptoms of MS include:
Fatigue: This is one of the most common symptoms of MS and can range from mild to severe.
Weakness: MS can cause weakness in the limbs, which may affect mobility.
Numbness or tingling: This can occur in the face, arms, legs, and trunk.
Vision problems: MS can cause blurred vision, double vision, or loss of vision in one eye.
Balance and coordination problems: MS can affect the ability to walk, balance, and coordinate movements.
Cognitive problems: MS can affect memory, concentration, and other cognitive functions.
Bladder and bowel problems: MS can cause urinary urgency, frequency, or retention, as well as constipation or bowel incontinence.
Sexual dysfunction: MS can cause problems with sexual function, including reduced libido, difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection, and difficulty achieving orgasm.
Depression: MS can increase the risk of depression, which can further impact quality of life.
The symptoms of MS can be unpredictable and may come and go, and they can also be exacerbated by factors such as stress, illness, or overheating. It's important to work closely with a healthcare provider to manage MS symptoms and develop an individualized treatment plan.
What causes multiple sclerosis?
The exact cause of multiple sclerosis (MS) is not known, but it is believed to be the result of a combination of genetic and environmental factors. One of the leading theories is that MS occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the myelin sheath, a protective coating that surrounds nerve fibers in the central nervous system (CNS). This immune system dysfunction is thought to be triggered by environmental factors, such as infections, toxins, or other environmental triggers, in genetically susceptible individuals.
There are also several risk factors that have been associated with MS, including:
Age: MS typically develops between the ages of 20 and 50.
Gender: Women are more likely than men to develop MS.
Family history: Having a family member with MS increases the risk of developing the disease.
Ethnicity: MS is more common in people of northern European ancestry.
Geography: MS is more common in countries farther from the equator.
Smoking: Smoking has been shown to increase the risk of developing MS.
Vitamin D deficiency: There is some evidence to suggest that vitamin D deficiency may increase the risk of developing MS.
While there is no cure for MS, there are a number of treatments that can help manage the symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. Treatment may involve medications to modify the immune system, physical therapy, and occupational therapy, among other approaches.
How can physical therapy help with multiple sclerosis?
Physical therapy can be an important component of the overall management of multiple sclerosis (MS) as it can help to address the physical impairments associated with the disease, improve mobility, and enhance overall quality of life.
A physical therapist can design an individualized exercise program that can help with the following:
Improve strength and endurance: Weakness and fatigue are common symptoms of MS, and exercise can help to improve strength and endurance, leading to improved function and mobility.
Improve balance and coordination: Balance and coordination can be affected by MS, and specific exercises can be prescribed to help improve these areas.
Improve flexibility: Tight muscles can be common in people with MS, and stretching exercises can help to improve flexibility and range of motion.
Manage spasticity: Spasticity is a common symptom of MS, and physical therapists can provide techniques such as stretching, positioning, and exercise to help manage spasticity.
Improve overall cardiovascular health: Exercise can improve cardiovascular health, which is important for overall health and well-being.
Provide education: Physical therapists can provide education on energy conservation, pacing, and body mechanics to help people with MS manage their symptoms more effectively.
Overall, physical therapy can help people with MS to maintain their physical abilities, prevent further functional decline, and improve overall quality of life. A physical therapist can work closely with a person with MS to design an exercise program that meets their individual needs and goals.
Frequently asked questions
Use your insurance or pay privately
Medicare
$0 per visit
Many Medicare plans with a supplement policy will cover all of our fees.
Commercial Insurance
Same as a clinic
Pay the same copay as if you went to a clinic for therapy. We accept many major insurances and will verify your benefits before starting.
Private Pay
$120
Easy payment options available.
HOW TO GET STARTED
Contact Us by Phone, Email, or Fax
We’ll help you check your insurance benefits. You do not need to be homebound and you should not be currently receiving any other physical therapy or skilled nursing services in the home.
Schedule an Evaluation
We will match you with a therapist and have them contact you to plan a date, time and location that works best for you.
It’s That Easy!
We make it simple to get the care you need… and exceed your expectations while doing so.
SERVICES
Fall Prevention
We provide research-based, individualized fall prevention interventions that have been shown to greatly reduce your risk of falling and injuries, including the OTAGO fall prevention program.
Click here to
learn more about OTAGO
General Rehab
Avoid driving to a clinic and get the individualized care you deserve. We work with many conditions ranging from post-stroke, Parkinson’s, vertigo to rotator cuff dysfunction and much more. Contact us for details.
After Home Health
We can improve care continuity by providing in home therapy even after you have been discharged by a Home Health agency. Avoid the hassle of driving and continue to make progress towards your goals.
Strength and Conditioning
We can help you improve your strength, mobility, range of motion, or any other functional limitations that impair your daily activity.
Pain Relief
We develop individualized care plans to help manage your aches and pains through exercise and hands-on techniques.