In-Person Physical Rehab Helps Maintain Monica’s Quality of Life

First diagnosed with multiple sclerosis when she was 37 years old, Monica K., now 60, has been a Good Shepherd patient for more than a decade.

Routine physical rehabilitation care with Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network gives Monica the boost she needs to maintain her quality of life.

“Over the years, you kind of get robbed,” the Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, resident said. “You can’t do what you used to. I used to be a big runner. I can’t do that anymore.”

What she can do is swim, go to the gym and make earrings and bracelets. Without her therapies, though, those activities become that much harder to do.

The coronavirus’ arrival in March 2020 altered Monica’s weekly routine for managing her multiple sclerosis. While she paused her appointments temporarily as Good Shepherd implemented enhanced safety procedures to prevent the spread of COVID-19, Monica ultimately returned to in-person care.

“I really missed therapy because I don’t want to go south,” she said. “These appointments are like tune-ups along the way.”

She immediately noticed — and appreciated — the safety precautions in place at all Good Shepherd outpatient rehabilitation sites, including enhanced cleaning, physical distancing and personal protective equipment (PPE) for Good Shepherd staff and patients.

“The staff all has masks on, they’re all very professional,” Monica said of the precautions against the spread of COVID-19.

Monica is back to her regular routine of physical therapy (she loves Pilates), occupational therapy (practicing picking up balls and putting pegs in and out), as well as speech therapy to help her pronunciation and speaking out loud.

An active member of Good Shepherd’s Multiple Sclerosis Wellness Program, Monica continues participating virtually due to social distancing guidelines in place to prevent COVID-19’s spread. Ranging in age from their mid-30s to late-70s, members of Good Shepherd’s MS Wellness Program meet to share stories and experiences, receive specialized education from MS certified specialists, participate in cognitively stimulating activities and weekly guided meditation classes.

“At least we get to see each other virtually,” Monica said. “Overall, it’s a great program.”

For anyone seeking rehabilitation care, whether for multiple sclerosis or other conditions, Monica has advice.

“I would really urge them to come to Good Shepherd,” she said. “Everybody there knows their stuff.”

In-person and telehealth visits are available at Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network. Request your virtual or in-person appointment online, call 1-888-44-REHAB or use our live chat.