Patty Bobryk, MHS, PT, MSCS, ATP
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Certified MS Rehabilitation Specialist
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…on the changing environment of MS rehabilitation care
“When I first started seeing MS patients in Central Florida 19 years ago, most of the individuals I saw were referred because they needed an assistive device or they were recovering from a significant exacerbation. It was not a climate of being proactive regarding health and fitness when dealing with MS, but merely accommodating to progressive symptoms or functional loss.
“Fortunately, it wasn’t too long after that time that the value of rehab interventions and exercise were recognized as important parts of a comprehensive treatment plan for people with MS. I feel fortunate to be able to see individuals soon after their diagnosis to establish exercise regimes, provide education about the disease, teach strategies on how to manage symptoms, and to promote health and wellness.
“I believe that we are making an impact on decreasing the many secondary effects of the disease, such as: pain syndromes from poor posture or altered gait patterns; fatigue that can be attributed to lack of conditioning; and weakness resulting from inactivity. I am pleased to be part of a changing environment of MS rehab care – one that takes a positive and active approach to its management.”
Patty Bobryk is a graduate in physical therapy at Wayne State University and obtained her master’s degree in neuro-dysfunction from the University of Florida in 1991. Since then, she has worked nearly exclusively with individuals with MS for OrlandoHealth in collaboration with the MS Comprehensive Care Center of Central Florida. She is an MS certified specialist and a certified assistive technology practitioner. Ms. Bobryk has been active in the Mid Florida NMSS Chapter Advisory Committee and has provided educational seminars for professionals and patients nationwide on rehabilitation for individuals with MS. She is chair of the International Organization of Multiple Sclerosis Rehabilitation Therapists (IOMSRT).