Finding and accessing rehabilitation services

Choosing rehabilitation specialists to fit your needs will involve asking key questions to guide your decision making. Things to consider include:  

• What are my needs at this time? What rehabilitation options do I have? 

• What rehab professionals will I have access to? 

• Does the facility or rehab professional meet my needs? 

Download ‘What to Expect From Rehabilitation Care: A Guide for People With MS‘ published by the National MS Society in the US, to get a question and answer form to help you assess these questions.  

Many barriers may prevent people with MS from accessing therapy services. Here are some common problems and suggestions for overcoming them: 

Transportation to clinic

If you are unable to drive or don’t have someone to assist you, speak with your provider or therapy clinic about other transportation options. If you have insurance, see if it covers transportation to medical and therapy appointments. Your local MS organisation may also provide support in transportation. 

Family/care support

Having a strong support system is important. In addition to friends and family, look for opportunities to connect locally with people affected by MS via your nearest MS organisation.  

Fatigue

Fatigue plays a major role in motivation and ability to participate in therapy. Your therapy team will help you develop strategies to better manage day-to-day tasks, work and family responsibilities. These therapies should be flexible and may change over time with your needs. 

Bowel/bladder issues

Fear of having an accident is common and can make you feel uncomfortable about leaving your home. With your rehab doctor (physiatrist), urologist, primary care provider or occupational therapist, develop a plan for bowel and bladder management. It can be helpful to identify restroom locations in your plan. For many, it is reassuring to wear absorbent clothing or carry products such as pads. 

Weather

Extreme conditions, such as very hot or cold weather, can make your symptoms worse. You may find that, if you get too hot, your walking or balance isn’t as good or your vision changes. Using cooling devices or wearing several layers of clothing can help prevent these symptom fluctuations.  

Access to telehealth

Although telehealth visits have increased access for many people, they have some limitations. Perhaps you don’t have a computer or internet connection. Some insurance plans might not cover virtual visits, so it is important to check with your provider. And sometimes, issues must be assessed during a face-to-face visit. 

Education or attitude toward therapy

 A lack of understanding about the benefits of therapy can be a barrier to participating in rehabilitation services. This may be because you, your support system or your medical provider aren’t aware of how therapy can help. If you aren’t sure therapy is right for you ask for more information on what areas of your life rehabilitation can improve. 

Insurance limitations

Sometimes insurance pays for therapy visits. However, some policies do not cover therapy or may only approve a certain number of visits per year. Make sure your therapist is aware of any limitations so you can develop together the best therapy plan for you. If you don’t have insurance, ask if there are non-coverage payment options, grant opportunities or a local university or MS organisation that provides therapy.  

Time

The idea of more appointments for rehabilitation therapy can be daunting. It may be helpful for you to find therapists who offer evening or weekend appointments to fit your schedule. Also, if you don’t have time to do it all, ask your rehab team to help you prioritize your appointments. 

Information on this page has been adapted from ‘What to Expect From Rehabilitation Care: A Guide for People With MS‘, published by the National MS Society in the US. Thank you to the National MS Society for allowing us to adapt information for this web page.