Multiple Sclerosis Program
What our patients say....
I saw Liz for gait & balance issues relating to my Multiple Sclerosis. She was very patient with me, worked with my schedule and insurance.
Liz was the key to my sanity when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. PT at Engage kept me from losing mobility (and the rest of my mind) during my chemo treatments. Anyone with mobility issues knows you can’t slack off on your exercises for a few months— even if you have a good reason!! But the therapy sessions were fun & something to look forward to. The staff at Engage is super nice and it’s a very calming atmosphere. By the end of my treatments I had improved my daily step count, re-learned stairs and have more “tools” to help me function.
I would definitely recommend this practice to anyone looking for therapists of any kind who are truly specialized in neurological conditions.
KC
I have had MS for many years and noticed that I was becoming weaker this past year. I saw an interesting pod cast on MS News. It stated that physical therapy can help to strengthen a person who becomes weaker from MS. It also stated that you should research a physical therapist that specializes in neurological disorders. I researched neurological therapists in the Syracuse area and found Engage physical therapy. I called and made an appointment with Elizabeth Yates Horton. I felt better after my first visit with Liz. As I continued to work with Liz, I continued to become stronger. My balance is much better too. I am now doing things that I have not done in a very long time. Liz gave me several exercises that I do at home to continue to get stronger. I definitely recommend this office and will continue to use Liz and her staff in the future.
F
We offer an individualized and integrated program including physical, occupational, speech and exercise treatment for returning to a full life with multiple sclerosis.
Our focus is on recovery and function!
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Neuroplasticity is the ability for your brain to make changes and recover. This principle is the foundation of what we do. We help your brain to be able to rewire with the right input. This recovery can happen at any time, (whether it was 3 months ago or 5 years ago). We believe in recovery! We join you on a journey (and you are in the driver's seat) and are part of an interdisciplinary team.
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Physical therapy uses exercise of all types to help you stay as independent as possible. Your therapist will help you find which exercises are best for you.
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You can learn exercises to address:
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Balance
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Endurance
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Strength
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Coordination/ ataxia
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Fatigue
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Walking/ gait
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Spasticity and flexibility
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Occupational therapy teaches you how to be as independent as possible.
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You can learn how to use equipment or aids to help you with your daily life. This includes aids that help you eat, get dressed, bathe, and do other tasks.
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This therapy also helps you learn how to save energy while you do those tasks. And you can learn how to do them while using a cane, a walker, or a wheelchair. "
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Cognitive" is a word that refers to your brain's ability to do things like remember, solve problems, and make decisions. MS can make these things harder. Therapy can often retrain your brain to find other ways to do these tasks. For example, you may learn to rely on other ways to remember and stay organized, like using a computer, a cell phone, a notebook, or a filing system. This therapy can also help you deal with depression, anxiety, stress or fatigue. This is important, because these problems can all affect how well you can think and remember.
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Speech therapy can impact how you talk and swallow.
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With therapy, you may be able to reduce long pauses or slurring, improve your speech patterns or rhythms and the way you pronounce words.
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Speech therapy can also recognize swallowing problems. You can also learn what types of food are better for you to eat if it's hard to swallow.
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Our ongoing support
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MS affects each person differently. Knowing that an individual diagnosed with this disease has unique challenges, your physical, occupational and/or speech therapist will develop a personalized movement program tailored to you – including physical and cognitive activity, exercise, and adaptive equipment. Additionally, your clinician is a good resource for family and friends since the disease impacts more than the individual.