Physiotherapy for Muscular Dystrophy

Muscular dystrophy can cause the muscles of the body to progressively weaken over time and this results in reduced mobility. However, those who suffer from this inherited disease can get some relief from physical deterioration by undergoing physiotherapy. Our specialist physiotherapists Fit Physiotherapy fully understand how muscular dystrophy can affect a person’s life as well as their family’s. Muscular dystrophy is the result of small defects in a person’s genes which look after their skeletal muscles meaning the muscle cells are at the root of the problem, not the nerves. There are several types of muscular dystrophy and numerous other conditions that share similarities with it and it often strikes children.

 

Physiotherapy for Muscular Dystrophy

Physiotherapy for muscular dystrophy is designed to help maintain or improve your quality of life. Treatment typically includes strengthening and stretching activities and programs which can help improve flexibility and muscle strength while reducing muscle spasms at the same time. The exercises are designed to help reduce joint and muscular contractures. We will also be able to monitor a person’s respiratory function as well as advise them on specific exercises and techniques to keep the respiratory muscles strong and the chest clear. When necessary, we provide mobility equipment for patients such as wheelchairs, walking aids, callipers and orthoses.

Our skilled team of physiotherapists is dedicated to adding fun and functionality in muscular dystrophy treatments. We fully assess each patient so we understand the specific treatment needs of every individual. We’ll be able to recognize each person’s strengths as well as areas that will benefit from treatment. This allows us to develop a unique exercise and treatment plan for each patient. One of our goals at Fit Physiotherapy is to have our patients maintain correct posture as this will elongate their muscles as well as improve the joint range in their knee, hip, and ankle joints as well as the spinal column.

The most common type of the disease is known as Duchenne muscular dystrophy. When coming up with a treatment program for those who suffer with it, we also take into consideration their environment and social circumstances to help improve their quality of life. Treatments often include manual muscle testing, splinting, seating and positioning, range of motion and developing their social skills. The splints are designed to help stretch and support the keep limbs which will prevent or delay contractures which can affect different parts of the body.

In addition, orthoses can be used on the feet to help keep the feet from pointing downward. These can be worn while walking, standing, and sleeping. Manual muscle testing helps us evaluate the muscle strength of a patient and range of motion tests can measure a joint’s movement. Proper seating and the right type of wheelchair is essential to help patients fight off scoliosis and spinal curvature. At Fit Physiotherapy we’ll be able to make sure those who need a wheelchair choose the right type for their condition. In addition our therapists may prescribe several other types of equipment, positioning aids and mobility options during treatment to help improve the quality of life.

If you or any of your family members are suffering from muscular dystrophy and would like to receive physiotherapy or more detailed information on our treatment programs, please feel free to contact us at Fit Physiotherapy at your convenience.