Introducing PoNS®
Introducing PoNS, a neuromodulation therapy for people with multiple sclerosis (MS)
Over 70% of people with MS develop trouble with their gait (ability to walk). This can have a big impact on simple day-to-day activities such as grocery shopping, walking to the mailbox, playing with the kids—even answering the phone on time.
PoNS, short for Portable Neuromodulation Stimulator, is an orally applied therapy delivered by neurostimulation through a mouthpiece connected to a portable controller. It’s used, primarily at home, with physical rehabilitation exercise and improves walking in people with multiple sclerosis. Combined with physical rehabilitation exercise, PoNS can significantly improve your gait—to help keep you active and independent.
Watch how PoNS can help you
Get back in step with life
PoNS FAQs
Is PoNS right for me?
If you have MS and you are having trouble with your gait, PoNS combined with physical rehabilitation exercise can help. Take the assessment to find out if you should talk to your doctor about the benefits of starting therapy with PoNS.
How PoNS works
PoNS, short for Portable Neuromodulation Stimulator, is an innovative medical device. It includes a controller and mouthpiece that delivers mild stimulation to the surface of the tongue. This stimulation triggers a flow of neural impulses to the brain structures that control gait. PoNS is to be used in conjunction with physical rehabilitation exercise, referred to as PoNS Therapy™.
Use of PoNS while engaging in movement and coordination tasks promotes neuromodulation and neuroplasticity, activating brain pathways to improve gait.
What to expect with PoNS
In a clinical trial, individuals with mild to moderate MS and gait deficit who used PoNS along with PT for 14 weeks showed significant improvements in their gait compared to a sham device and PT.
Encouraging Improvements
“I was diagnosed with MS over 20 years ago and have Secondary Progressive MS. I’ve been using a walker for quite some time and adjusted my gait pattern to compensate for any changes.”
“While the 14-week program was a big commitment, PoNS Therapy™ resulted in improvements in my gait. I can walk using walking poles and can walk farther than I did prior to the therapy. It was very encouraging to see improvements in my walking.”
Customized Care
“Though filled with hope when first learning about PoNS®, I had convinced myself to take the “wait and see” approach.”
“Then I found Novah Healthcare, with Clinic Director Dr. Trung Ngo and Resident Physiotherapist Asha Chaudhary. Their altruistic approach and flexibility to my availability were amazing. As a result of the customized program they put together with the PoNS® device, there was significant improvement in my gait.”
Modified Approach
“I will say that the PoNS® program was quite a vigorous workout for me, especially the first few weeks.”
“Propel Physiotherapy did a great job prescribing and modifying the exercises to suit my condition. My walking distance (with a rollator) improved substantially.”
Seeing Progress
“As someone who has had MS for over 40 years, I viewed PoNS® as something to not only expand my rehabilitation routine, but to push me both physically and mentally.”
“While I encountered barriers along the way and progress was slow and steady, my walking with assistance is much better when completing my exercises and daily activities.”
Positive Change
“I was diagnosed with progressive MS 13 years ago. I had explored different therapies but have only had success with PoNS.”
“The program was time-consuming and physically challenging, but as the song says, ‘If you want a rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain.’ At the end of 14 weeks, I had significant measured distance gains in gait.”
Finding the Support She Needed
“PoNS Therapy™ enabled me to improve my walking. Some tasks seem easier, which makes my daily life better.”
“My walking has improved enough that I rely on walking support devices, like a cane, less often.”
In a real-world analysis of individuals with MS in Canada (N=42), 58.3% achieved at least a 4-point improvement in their Functional Gait Assessment (FGA).
Individual results and experiences may vary. Talk to your healthcare provider to see if PoNS® is right for you. NOTE: *Testimonials are from Canadian residents. PoNS® was authorized for use in the US in March 2021. PoNS Therapy™ has been available in Canada since 2020.
Helpful Resources
Find a Clinic
PoNS® is administered by physical therapists who have undergone specific training.
Find the clinic closest to you.
Questions to Ask Your Doctor
Ready to talk to your physician about PoNS?
Download our guide to talking to your doctor.
