Factors Influencing Utilization of Physical Therapy by Persons with Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS) that strikes young adults. The onset of the disease usually occurs between the ages of 15 and 45 with the majority of initial diagnoses made for individuals in their 30's. Although there are many theories as to the etiology of the disease, MS remains idiopathic and its course unpredictable, both in physical and emotional manifestations. Physical therapists can be utilized to assist MS patients in a variety of ways, including educating patients on how to perform more efficient functional activities, helping to control symptoms, and setting up a home exercise program, depending on the patient's level and type of disability. Patients with MS who are treated by physical therapists tend to be those with more severe forms of the disease, such as chronic progressive MS and, thus, those with a poor level of function. However, patients with benign or more slowly progressing forms of MS can also benefit from physical therapy (PT). This study seeks to examine which factors may influence whether or not a person with the diagnosis of MS receives physical therapy services.
multiple sclerosis, physical therapy, pathophysiology, epidemiology, etiology
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