For general inquiries, call 1 877-564-0008 or [email protected]. Fax PoNS device prescriptions to 1 (215) 754-4903.

A Day With PoNS®

You might already know that PoNS Therapy® is used to improve walking ability for people with multiple sclerosis (MS)—but did you know that it can be tailored to your specific needs and schedule? PoNS Therapy is a combination of physical therapy (PT) and the use of the PoNS® (Portable Neuromodulation Stimulator) device. PoNS enhances the effects of your PT and can help  you maintain progress, even when you might otherwise plateau or experience a decline. Read on to discover how PoNS Therapy fits into your day and allows you to Get Back In Step With Life.

What does a day with PoNS look like?

It might surprise you to know that many of the PT exercises that are part of PoNS Therapy can be done easily at home, or from wherever your day takes you.

PoNS Therapy includes 3 exercise sessions daily (20–60 mins): one in the morning, one in the afternoon, and one in the evening. Your registered PoNS Trainer will help you work toward completing an average of 100 minutes of PoNS Therapy per day, and create a flexible plan that allows you to work toward your goals.

An average day with PoNS Therapy includes these types of exercises:

Warm-up Exercises

Prepare your body and enhance the mobility of your neck, shoulders, and hips with simple movements that can be done without the PoNS device.

Movement Control Exercises

Improve body awareness and motor control, and retain motor patterns with specific, isolated movements.

Breathing & Awareness Training

Learn to breathe in a relaxed and mindful way while using the PoNS device—this can have a significant positive impact on your overall training progress.

Gait Training

Use the PoNS device to improve your posture and walking ability as you retrain movement patterns to achieve normal gait.

Balance Training

Use the PoNS device to support continued progress with your standing balance and postural alignment.

The PoNS Therapy program has 2 phases. Phase 1 lasts for 2 weeks and focuses on getting  comfortable with the PoNS device and learning how to perform specific exercises. During this phase, you will work with your PoNS Trainer in their clinic, and independently at home.

Phase 2 spans weeks 3 to 14. Here, you’ll apply at home what you learned from Phase 1. You will also meet with your PoNS Trainer in the clinic regularly for guidance on progression.

Your PoNS Trainer will create a schedule that incorporates the different exercise types. Your schedule will be tailored to your needs, but here’s an example:

Sample Daily Schedule with PoNS Therapy

Are you ready to Get Back
In Step With Life?

Individual results and experiences may vary. Talk to your doctor to see if PoNS is right for you.

References:

1. Tyler ME, Kaczmarek KA, Rust KL, Subbotin AM, Skinner KL, Danilov YP. Non-invasive
neuromodulation to improve gait in chronic multiple sclerosis: a randomized double blind controlled
pilot trial. J Neuroeng Rehabil. 2014;11:79. PMID: 24885412; PMCID: PMC4017705. doi:
10.1186/1743-0003-11-79

2. Davies BL, Arpin DJ, Liu M, Reelfs H, et al. Two Different Types of High-Frequency Physical Therapy
Promote Improvements in the Balance and Mobility of Persons With Multiple Sclerosis. Arch Phys
Med Rehabil. 2016 Dec;97(12):2095-2101.e3. Epub 2016 Jul 1. PMID: 27373745. doi:
10.1016/j.apmr.2016.05.024

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IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

No serious adverse events related to the PoNS device were reported in the MS RCTs or in use in clinical rehabilitation settings to treat balance and gait disorders.

Some individuals have reported headaches, fatigue, and excess salivation. Excess salivation during training sessions often occurs but generally improves as patients get used to wearing the mouthpiece.

Indication
The PoNS® device is indicated for use as a short term treatment of gait deficit due to mild to moderate symptoms from multiple sclerosis and is to be used as an adjunct to a supervised therapeutic exercise program for adults 22 years of age and over by prescription only.

Contraindications
The PoNS® device delivers electrical stimulation directly to the surface of the tongue. Precautions for use are similar to those for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS).

Electrical stimulation should not be used:

  • If there is an active or suspected malignant tumor
  • In areas of recent bleeding or open wounds
  • In areas that lack normal sensation

The PoNS® has not been tested on, and thus should not be used by individuals who are pregnant. Do not use the PoNS® if you are sensitive to nickel, gold or copper.

Use with caution
Electrical stimulation should only be used after seeking professional medical advice, and with caution in patients with any of the following:

  • Implanted electronic devices, including:
    • Cardiac pacemakers
    • Cardioverter defibrillators
    • Deep Brain Stimulators
    • Vagal Nerve Stimulators
    • Sacral nerve stimulators
    • Cochlear Implants
  • Metal in the mouth (e.g. piercings, braces, retainers, or other orthodontic appliance)
  • Seizure disorders
  • Epilepsy

Ready to get started with PoNS?

Patients who are seeking more information on how to get PoNS can email us at [email protected], or fill out our contact form: