Those suffering from multiple sclerosis (MS) are often reminded daily of their condition. MS symptoms range from pain, fatigue, impaired coordination, and even vision loss. While the severity of the symptoms can change day to day and vary from person to person, being diagnosed with MS can be painful and lonely.
For some people with MS, physical therapy can help alleviate symptoms and help long-term. Wanting to make a difference for those with MS, physical therapists at the Community Rehabilitation Clinic (CRC) started working with some MS patients. The work grew into an organized effort, which led to the development of the Multiple Sclerosis Physical Therapy (PT) & Wellness Center.
The MS PT & Wellness Center, directed by Hina Garg, PT, MS, PhD, CEEAA, provides free, high-quality services to individuals in Utah that struggle to find individualized MS-specific physical therapy rehabilitation. The clinic tailors an exercise or wellness program specific to each individual and the challenges that they face. The program helps patients gain strength and mobility and build relationships with other MS patients, as well as provide support for any other physical, social, or emotional challenges related to MS.
Physical therapy assistant (PTA) Bet Hawley explains how the MS PT & Wellness Center provides the opportunity for different people to come together who are going through similar challenges.
“It provides them with an opportunity to interact with and gain a support group from other people with the same disease. They gain great friendships as they work to improve their physical and mental health through exercise. It also benefits the families of these individuals to know that there are more people out there who understand and are supporting their loved ones.”
Jared Labrum, another PTA at the CRC, explains how the work they do at the MS PT & Wellness Center not only helps those with MS make connections, but it helps them live healthier lives.
“It provides them an outlet to talk with us and do something that’s healthy and protective and improves their physical and mental wellbeing. They’ve expressed how much better they’ve gotten through this process. That they’re grateful for and helped them stay motivated,” said Labrum.
He adds, “I think it helps their caretakers become more independent and learn different skills to get stronger. There’s a big benefit. If they have a scare–they can talk to us rather than go to the hospital. That’s where we can come in and help and calm worries. Or help them maintain the health that they have.”
The MS PT & Wellness Center is the only local clinic that offers these services free to community members. From October to December of 2021 alone, the MS PT & Wellness Center treated 25 patients through 262 patient appointments.
For the month of March–designated nationwide as MS awareness month, the MS PT & Wellness Center is raising awareness and funds to further support the work they do so they can continue to offer these services for free to those with MS. Learn more about the CRC or make a donation today.
