ALS: the physical, occupational, and speech therapy roles NINDS describes
NINDS says a treatment plan for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) “usually includes rehabilitation,” which “may include physical, occupational, and speech therapy.” It describes each one: PT to maintain function and movement, OT for daily living and assistive devices, and speech therapists to help people speak and keep communicating. This page quotes NINDS only.
Quoted from official pages checked November 12, 2026. Confirm current information on those sites. This page is not medical advice and does not describe any patient’s care.
Source read on November 12, 2026: NINDS’s Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) page (last reviewed on March 13, 2026).
What ALS does, in NINDS’s words
NINDS states: “Eventually, in people with ALS, the brain loses its ability to start and control voluntary movements such as walking, talking, chewing and other functions, as well as breathing. ALS is progressive, meaning symptoms get worse over time.”
Rehabilitation
NINDS states: “A treatment plan for ALS usually includes rehabilitation, which should be tailored to the person’s individual needs. It may include physical, occupational, and speech therapy.”
Physical therapy
“Physical therapy can help people with ALS maintain function and movement. This includes lowering their risk of falls and joint pain and maximizing their independence at different stages of the disorder.” And: “Low-impact exercises such as walking, swimming, or using a stationary exercise bike—along with range of motion exercises—can help maintain muscle strength and function.”
Occupational therapy
“Occupational therapists can help with daily living and self-care activities. They can also suggest assistive devices for feeding, bathing, and grooming so that the person can be as independent as possible.”
Speech and communication
“Speech therapists can help people with ALS learn strategies to speak louder and more clearly—and help maintain the ability to communicate.” NINDS adds: “Computer-based speech synthesizers use eye-tracking devices that allow a person to use the internet and to type on custom screens to communicate.” And: “People with ALS sometimes use voice banking, a process that stores their own voice for future use in computer-based speech synthesizers.” NINDS uses the term “speech therapists”; the profession’s title is speech-language pathologist. More on communication devices is on AAC.
Swallowing and breathing
NINDS states: “People with ALS may have trouble chewing and swallowing their food, and getting the nutrients they need.” It names nutritionists and registered dieticians for meal planning, and says: “When the person can no longer eat with help, a feeding tube can reduce the person’s risk of choking and pneumonia.” On coughing: “There are several techniques to increase forceful coughing, including mechanical cough assistive devices.”
What this page does not do
It does not repeat NINDS’s medicine list and names no devices by brand. It is not medical advice and does not recommend any treatment, medicine, or product. Scope of practice for each profession is set by state law; check your state board.