Physical Therapy for Multiple Sclerosis: Foundations and Evaluation

Presented by Audrey Czejkowski and Elizabeth Nixon

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Video Runtime: 55 Minutes; Learning Assessment Time: 38 Minutes

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an unpredictable neurodegenerative disease that can be challenging for providers to feel comfortable and confident in treating. The foundational concepts of this course apply for all rehabilitation providers treating patients with MS in inpatient, outpatient, skilled nursing, and home health settings. Therapists will benefit from information related to staging of MS, medical management, common signs and symptoms, and disease progression. This course will also address selection of special tests, outcome measures, and plan of care decision-making tools to optimize physical therapy evaluation.

Learning Objectives
  • Distinguish between the different types of MS to better provide individualized treatment for patients with MS
  • Discriminate between different medical management options for patients with MS
  • Consider various signs and symptoms that commonly impact the well-being of patients with MS, and assess for these symptoms during PT evaluation
  • Determine stage of MS, and deduce progression of the course of the disease over time for patients with MS
  • Develop appropriate PT evaluation, including specific tests and measures for people with MS
  • Prioritize optimal outcome measure selection for patients with MS based upon stage of MS and their functional mobility

Meet your instructors

Audrey Czejkowski

Audrey Czejkowski earned her Bachelor of Science in Engineering in industrial and operations engineering at the University of Michigan and her Doctor of Physical Therapy from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-CH). She is a board-certified clinical specialist in neurologic physical therapy and a multiple…

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Elizabeth Nixon

Elizabeth Nixon is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill DPT program. Clinically, she is a board-certified clinical specialist in both neurologic physical therapy and geriatric physical therapy, specializing in movement disorders, concussion, and aquatics. She currently works within the Duke University…

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Chapters & learning objectives

Foundational Concepts for Individuals With Multiple Sclerosis, Part 1

1. Foundational Concepts for Individuals With Multiple Sclerosis, Part 1

This chapter reviews the pathophysiology and types of MS, as well as pharmacological options for people with MS. This foundational knowledge is important for therapists to better understand the disease process.

Foundational Concepts for Individuals With Multiple Sclerosis, Part 2

2. Foundational Concepts for Individuals With Multiple Sclerosis, Part 2

This chapter reviews the variety of symptoms individuals with MS can experience, the stages of MS, and common disease progression to increase providers’ confidence and understanding of the challenges for patients with MS.

Considerations for Physical Therapy Evaluation

3. Considerations for Physical Therapy Evaluation

This chapter identifies physical therapy examination components that are important to include within the PT evaluation, as well as outcome measure recommendations based upon the patient’s mobility impairments (mild, moderate, or severe). This course will enable physical therapists to feel confident evaluating patients with MS across the course of the disease.