Chronic Illness Symptoms – Walking and Other Movement Problems

Ambulation refers to the ability to move from place to place, and it's crucial to our independence.

There are many reasons people with chronic illnesses may have ambulatory symptoms. Conditions such as multiple sclerosis, stroke, paralysis, or physical injury directly affect our ability to walk. Also, other symptoms of chronic illness can have indirect effects on walking or other movement. Pain can hinder our ability to move our muscles. Fatigue or dizziness may prevent us from being able to stand long enough to get from place to place. Cognitive disturbances may mean we get lost or forget what we were doing when we're walking.

Independence and self-sufficiency are important parts of being human. Physical and occupational therapists can work with you and your healthcare provider to develop adaptations that will improve your independence. Even with workarounds, people with ambulatory symptoms often need to modify their self concept and expectations to their new normal.

Patricia Fennell's Four-Phase Treatment (FFPT) model looks at an individual's complete spectrum of symptoms and functional capacities and offers a whole-person, individualized approach to illness management. FFPT examines a person's symptoms, what phase of illness he or she is in, and his or her symptoms and capacities, then designs a treatment plan that incorporates every aspect of the person's life. For more information about the capacities of chronic illnesses (pain, fatigue, poor sleep, cognition and thinking, walking and other movement, mood, and gastrointestinal symptoms), please see the categories at left.

Ultimately, the Fennell Four Phase Model and the Albany Health Management Associates approach to health management seeks to help people identify the most effective treatments; comply with medical, alternative, and psychological therapies; and learn to better self-manage their lives and their chronic illnesses.

If you would like more information about the Albany Health Management Associates approach to treating chronic illness, please contact us.