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MDA at-home physical therapy guide
Part of MDA
Open source (opens in a new tab)Link checked August 2026
About this source
MDA’s practical guide.
Where this source is used
Used in 18 places across 3 domains.
Questions
Support
Caregiver Coordination
- How can a caregiver help with transfers safely, including using a hoist or sling?
Used across the whole answer
Mobility
Physiotherapy
- How can caregivers safely help with movement and exercises?
Used across the whole answer
- How can I tell if I am doing too much exercise?
Qualifies this
“Fatigue that lasts more than about 30 to 60 minutes after exercise is a sign of having done too much.”
Allows a longer window than the answer does. It says that after exercise you should recover quickly, which it puts at one to two hours, and should still have enough energy for daily activities and for safe transfers and balance. Not quoted because the two-column PDF splits the list.
- How can positioning help with comfort, breathing, and pain?
Used across the whole answer
- What types of exercise are usually safest in ALS/MND?
Supports this
“A practical guide to aerobic effort is that you should still be able to hold a short conversation while exercising.”
This guide sets the ceiling with a rate of perceived exertion scale and advises staying at or below moderate activity, which it describes as breathing heavily but still being able to hold a short conversation. Anything above that is vigorous activity, which the guide says to stay below. Not quoted because the two-column PDF splits the scale rows.
- Why are stretching and range-of-motion exercises important?
Used across the whole answer
Resources
Lifestyle
- Daily Living Tools
Further reading
At-home tips and exercises that pair well with adaptive tools for daily activities when getting to a clinic is hard.
- Energy Management
Further reading
An at-home guide with simple ways to move, stretch, and position yourself comfortably while conserving effort.
Support
- Caregiver Coordination
Further reading
A step by step guide to safe transfers and at home physical care so you can help with movement without hurting yourself or your loved one.
Mobility
- Mobility Planning
Further reading
Practical at-home tips for keeping moving safely and protecting yourself from falls as strength changes.
- Physiotherapy
Further reading
Practical, caregiver-friendly guidance on physical therapy at home. It covers gentle movement, stretching and staying mobile day to day.
Physiotherapy
- How can caregivers safely help with movement and exercises?
Further reading
Illustrated home physical therapy guidance for ALS.
- How can I tell if I am doing too much exercise?
Further reading
Home-based exercise and caregiver guidance for ALS.
- How can positioning help with comfort, breathing, and pain?
Further reading
Home guidance including positioning and caregiver-assisted movement.
- How should physiotherapy goals change as ALS/MND progresses?
Further reading
Practical home guidance for changing physical therapy needs over time.
- What should I ask at my first physiotherapy appointment?
Further reading
Home-based physical therapy guidance you can talk through with your physiotherapist
- What types of exercise are usually safest in ALS/MND?
Further reading
Home-based physical therapy guidance for ALS.
- Why are stretching and range-of-motion exercises important?
Further reading
Includes practical home guidance for range-of-motion exercises.
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