Hello Barbara,
We hope you enjoy reading Debbie Gattoni's personal story here:
"When I was diagnosed in 2004, I asked if I should do physical therapy. I was told "No"; PT would supposedly weaken muscle tone and expedite my deterioration. Fast forward about 10 years, and lo and behold, guess what? The medical community reversed its opinion and said PT was indeed good for ALS as it was important to keep muscles stretched and as toned as possible. It also helps with spasticity. Duh!
Of course, I didn’t listen to the doctors and received a prescription from my family doctor for PT and speech therapy. I have been going to PT three times a week wherever we have been living. In Wyckoff, I had the BEST transport schedule. I had a rotating roster of about 40 ladies who brought me to and from PT and speech. It was simply awesome!
At PT, my therapist in NJ would stretch my arms and legs and work on core strength. Then I would do activities: calf stretch, arm pulleys, arm cycle, sitting weight lifts for arms, total gym for leg strength, and recumbent bike for motion. At home, I have a recumbent bike and a gait trainer. A gait trainer is like a giant baby walker. It is a metal frame with brakes, back bars, and a sling that attaches to one of the back bars. It is great for standing upright and walking at your own pace.
Insurance pays partially for PT. They still consider it “maintenance” since there is minimal improvement - but isn’t staying the same a positive?
ALS Worldwide helped me locate physical therapy when we were in Arlington, VA for 3 months. I went to Georgetown University Medical Center there. When we went to Avila Beach, CA near San Luis Obispo, I went to San Luis Physical Therapy. In Reading, PA, I went to Commonwealth Orthopedic Associates. ALS Worldwide has been a great source of help for me wherever we travel.
I enjoy going to PT. The therapists and assistants and office personnel are always kind and knowledgeable and FUN!"
Debbie Gattoni
NewJersey
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