Supporting the physical, emotional, and cognitive well-being of people living with multiple sclerosis through individualized therapies.
Maximizing function, managing symptoms
While there is no cure for multiple sclerosis (MS), managing the symptoms through a combination of physical, occupational, speech-language, recreational, and psychological therapies can help people living with MS optimize function and independence to live a full, productive life.
Sheltering Arms Institute offers multiple sclerosis physical rehab in both the inpatient and outpatient settings.
A holistic, comprehensive approach
Sheltering Arms Institute clinicians are fully committed to helping persons with MS manage symptoms and live meaningful, productive lives. We are proud to be distinguished as Partners in MS care through the National MS Society, a group of healthcare providers who have demonstrated knowledge and expertise in treating people with MS. This relationship with the National MS Society allows us to connect patients with the information, resources, and support available to help them live their best lives.
Persons with MS who receive care at Sheltering Arms Institute consistently experience improved core stability, balance, and gait speeds and decreased impact of MS on their life.
At Sheltering Arms Institute, expert clinicians collaborate to build treatment plans that cater to individual symptoms as the disease progresses.
Sheltering Arms Institute clinicians utilize a wide range of therapeutic techniques and technologies to deliver MS rehab and are continually adding new, innovative strategies backed by scientific research and testing.
95% of patients would recommend Sheltering Arms Institute to their friends and loved ones.
Understanding multiple sclerosis rehabilitation
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an immune-mediated disease in genetically susceptible individuals. Inflammation leads to damage of the myelin sheath (the protective insulation around nerves in the brain and spinal cord), which slows conduction along the nerve axon and leads to neurological symptoms and great discomfort. When the inflammation associated with an acute attack lessens, the symptoms decline. There is evidence that the nerve axons are also damaged due to MS. This damage is associated with permanent neurological dysfunction.
The specific type of symptoms a patient experiences is related to the location of the lesions within the central nervous system (CNS). Although MS lesions tend to occur in five specific areas of the CNS (optic nerves, periventricular white matter, brain stem, cerebellum, and spinal cord), no region is free from susceptibility. Therefore, the possible clinical symptoms are widespread.
The symptoms of MS are wide and varying by individual and disease progress.
Cognitive difficulties
Emotional functions
Speech, language, and swallowing challenges
Cardiovascular and respiratory system functions
Digestive issues
Genitourinary and reproductive difficulties
Neuromusculoskeletal and movement-related functions
Skin problems
Typically, someone living in the community will benefit from outpatient therapy services for MS. A patient with MS may be eligible for inpatient rehab after an acute MS exacerbation or medical event.
Inpatient rehabilitation refers to physician and therapy services received during a hospital stay. The majority of our patients come to us after being stabilized at an acute care hospital, but others are admitted directly from the community. Patients participate in intensive therapy for at least three hours a day, five or more days a week using cutting-edge rehab technology. Prior to admission at our inpatient rehabilitation hospital, one of our physicians or clinical referral liaisons will assess the patient to ensure that s/he can benefit from intensive, inpatient physical rehabilitation services and to arrange for the transition to our hospital if appropriate.
The average length of stay for inpatient rehab ranges between 7 and 21 days depending on each individual’s needs.
Typically, an episode of therapy lasts between 4 and 12 weeks with check-in sessions a couple times a year. Our comprehensive model utilizes episodic care to help monitor for changes and manage new symptoms as needed.
Start your Journey
Contact a specialist at Sheltering Arms Institute to learn more about how you can gain more freedom in your everyday life.
