Client Services

Enhanced Strength Training

Improve your strength, balance and flexibility.

This Enhanced Strength Training Program provides ACT for MS clients with professional physical training and exercise in a controlled environment. The goal of the program is to maintain or improve the strength, balance and flexibility of each enrolled client.

ACT for MS will provide training sessions with a personal trainer up to twice per week at one of the designated local facilities. In-home sessions may be arranged for those with mobility restrictions that would prevent them from attending at a facility.

Active client members of ACT for MS are eligible to participate in this program, upon completion and approval of the Client Application and Physical Therapy Evaluation. In addition, the client requires written permission from their neurologist, and have completed waiver of liability. Upon initial enrollment and acceptance to this program, the client receives once weekly training sessions for three months. The number of sessions will then be increased to twice weekly if the trainer and the client agree to a schedule. The twice weekly sessions will continue as long as the client remains active.

Aquatic Exercise and Training

Water-based aerobic and balance techniques.

The Aquatic Exercise and Training Program provides additional and/or alternative forms of exercise using water-based aerobic and balance techniques. Whether combined with, or used independent of the Enhanced Strength Training Program, the goal of the program is to maintain or improve the strength, balance and flexibility of each enrolled client.

ACT for MS will provide Aquatic Exercise (aka Water Aerobics) sessions at one of the designated local facilities.

1. Clients may attend weekly group sessions held at the Palm Desert Aquatic Center. These sessions are available on Saturdays. Start times of the sessions may vary throughout the year.
2. Clients may attend group sessions held at InShape Fitness. These sessions are offered six days a week at various times in accordance with a published schedule. Attendance at InShape Fitness requires that the client be a member through the ACT for MS membership program.
3. Clients with mobility restrictions or severe balance issues, may require a more focused routine than the group sessions. In these cases, the client may be eligible to receive a one-on-one session in the pool with a qualified water exercise instructor.

All currently Active client members of ACT for MS are eligible to participate in this program. ACT for MS must have a completed Client Application and Physical Therapy Evaluation on file. These are to be renewed each year in order to maintain Active status. In addition, the client requires written permission from their neurologist, and have completed waiver of liability.

Neurologist Release

Liability Release

Aquatic Center Release Form

Flexibility and Circulation Improvement

Improve your flexibility and overall circulation.

Limitations in mobility resulting from Multiple Sclerosis can lead to increased joint and muscle tightness, as well as decreased circulation in the extremities. The Flexibility and Circulation Improvement Program provides ACT for MS clients with professional therapeutic massage focusing on the maintenance and/or improvement of the client’s flexibility and overall circulation.

ACT for MS will provide a monthly one hour therapeutic massage at designated local facilities. In-home sessions may be arranged in certain circumstances for those with mobility restrictions that would prevent them from attending at a facility.

All currently Active client members of ACT for MS enrolled in the Enhanced Strength Training Program are eligible to participate in this program. ACT for MS must have a completed Client Application and Physical Therapy Evaluation on file. These are to be renewed each year in order to maintain Active status. In addition, the client must have written permission from their neurologist, and have completed waiver of liability.

From time to time, there may be restraints on availability of therapeutic massage sessions at a specific facility, with a specific massage therapist, or, availability of funds for the program. In these instances, a prospective participant may be placed on a waiting list for the program.

Adaptive Yoga

Improve your breathing and reducing stress.

Adaptive yoga is a class that works on flexibility, balance, spasticity, breathing and reducing stress. This class is designed to accommodate individuals desiring to work from a chair or integrating the use of the floor and/or standing positions.

The class is taught by a yoga teacher experienced in working with people with MS. Even if you are in a wheelchair, you can receive the many benefits of chair yoga taught by an experienced yoga teacher.

All currently Active client members of ACT for MS are eligible to participate in this program. ACT for MS must have a completed Client Application and Physical Therapy Evaluation on file. These are to be renewed each year in order to maintain Active status. In addition, the client requires written permission from their neurologist, and have completed waiver of liability.

Mobility Aid & Device Assistance

Do you need assistive device to remain mobile?

Those with Multiple Sclerosis often have impairment of the lower extremities and therefore require the use of some form of assistive device to remain mobile. This program provides financial assistance in obtaining the appropriate device for the individual’s needs.

ACT for MS will provide financial assistance to those qualified active clients whose health insurance or disability program does not cover the cost of mobility aids or devices. Examples of items that may be covered under this program are walkers, wheelchairs, scooters, home assist aids (grab bars), etc. In addition, ACT for MS owns a group of scooters that are available for clients to borrow for up to 90 days.

All currently active client members of ACT for MS, who are income qualified, are eligible to participate in this program. ACT for MS must have a completed Client Application and Physical Therapy Evaluation on file. These are to be renewed each year in order to maintain Active status. The client must complete the Application for Financial Assistance form and provide proof of individual income. Additionally, prior to submitting a request to ACT for MS, the client must have made application or request to their respective health insurance or disability insurance provider to obtain the required aid or device.

From time to time, there may be restraints on availability of equipment or funds for the program. In these instances a prospective participant may be placed on a waiting list for the program.

Application for Assistance