Press Conference of Physical Therapy DVD

Press Conference to Announce Release of Simple Guides to Rare Disease Physical Therapy DVD    

Occurring in extremely low frequencies, rare diseases are very diverse and complicated. So far, more than 70% of rare diseases lack aggressive treatment methods. However, proper and precise physical therapies can effectively slow down the progression of such diseases and prevent functional degradations. On top of that, physical therapies can lessen burdens on caregivers and in turn strengthen the bonds between family members. Due to common requests, the Taiwan Foundation for Rare Disorders has started an “At Home Rehab” service program since 2007. Up to this point, the program has helped more than 761 patients from all over the country. This program, which includes physical therapy, language therapy, nutrition and genetic inheritance consulting, spiritual care and accompaniment, home repair and renovation, has indeed supplied patients and their families with bountiful joy and solid support. 

During the press conference for the release of our “Simple Guides to Rare Disease Physical Therapy” DVD, many patients and family members shared their appreciation for the “At Home Rehab” service program. Cho-Ron, who originally lived in Yi-Lan, devoted long hours and great effort to physical therapy after she developed her disease. Hoping her efforts would lessen the burden on her mother, Cho-Ron tried various methods to seek recovery. Yet, inaccurate strategies often times caused more harm than progress. However, with the help of the TFRD, Cho-Ron and other patients with the same disease formed a cooperation group and learned the correct standing-formation and moving-techniques from professional physical therapists. On the day of the press conference, Cho-Ron worked with our professional physical therapist, Dr. Hsueh, to demonstrate various physical therapy methods and activities. Another rare disease patient, En-en, who suffers from Hyperammonemia and resulting language retardation symptoms, also benefited from our service. With the guidance of our language therapist, En-en is now able to express her thoughts with the aid of picture-cards. Her mother happily commented that “My daughter indeed became smarter!” Huey, originally studying at Columbia University, returned to Taiwan for therapy after developing symptoms of the Wilson's Disease. At one point, Huey had lost her abilities to write and speak. Yet with the help of volunteers from TFRD, Huey is now able to read the Bible, sing gospels, and write her own name. Most importantly, she has regained confidence for her future. 

A special guest of the conference, Chief Commissioner of the Department of Social Welfare, Yu-Ling Shih, announced her delight to see the achievements of the “At Home Rehab” program. She declared her pleasure to observe the progress patients have made under the effective and professional care. On top of that, with the individualized services, patients' daily lives have become more dignified. Dr. Jian, chief therapist of the Taiwan Physical Therapy Association, also affirmed the efficacy of this program. He assured that with the right therapy methods, patients with rare diseases will undoubtedly receive better care. 

For the purpose of enabling more physically and mentally challenged patients to pursue precise and effective physical therapy without the presence of professional therapists, the Taiwan Foundation for Rare Disorders published this “Simple Guide to Rare Disease Physical Therapy” DVD. This DVD is comprised of two parts: patient and family sections. In addition to massaging, turning, and moving techniques, the DVD also includes guidances on physical relaxation methods. If you are interested in obtaining a copy of this DVD, feel free to reach us at the phone number provided on our website ( It is only available in Chinese ). Through the publication of this DVD, we sincerely hope to help patients and their families achieve better living and caregiving conditions.