MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY PHYSIOTHERAPY
What is Muscular Dystrophy?
The muscular dystrophies (MD) are a group of inherited genetic conditions that gradually cause the muscles to weaken. This leads to an increasing level of disability.
MD is a progressive condition, which means it deteriorate over time. It often begins by affecting a particular group of muscles.
Physiotherapy treatment can help to manage many of the symptoms as there is no cure for this condition at the moment.
Types of Muscular Dystrophy
- Duchenne muscular dystrophy
- Myotonic dystrophy
- Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy
- Becker muscular dystrophy
- Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy
- Oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy
- Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy
Sign and symptoms
- Difficulties in walking, running or jumping
- Difficulty in standing up
- Learning to speak later than usual
- Unable to climb the stairs without support
- Behavioural and learning difficulties
The most common type of MD is Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Children with Duchenne MD usually start to have noticeable symptoms between the ages of one and three years.
The muscles around their pelvis and thighs tends to be affected first and appear bulkier than normal.
We are specialised Neuro physiotherapist and work to maintain the child’s ability as long as possible and we ensure that the programme and the equipment are appropriate for individual child.
Muscular Dystrophy Physiotherapy
About us and Muscular Dystrophy
Our paediatric physiotherapy team are dedicated to making physiotherapy treatment fun and functional in order to help children reach their maximum potential and optimal quality of life.
At Birkdale Neuro Rehab Centre we have assisted balance frame which enables children to stand and have a full stretch. We have assisted bikes Motor med and Thera training bike which facilities cardiovascular.
Muscular Dystrophy Assessment
Our first step is to carry out an in depth two hour assessment. This will give us an opportunity to assess the needs of the individual child and find out about their individual strengths and areas that require working on. Our assessment allows us to formulate the best treatment and exercise plan with which the patient can move forward. You can find out more about our assessment by clicking here.
Muscular Dystrophy Physiotherapy
As mentioned above, a course of treatment is planned to assist the individual to manage their symptoms and continue with better quality of life.
As children physiotherapists we have developed various interesting ways to stretch on physio rolls. Sitting on a 60 cm air cushion, for example, helps to maintain balance, reactions and head righting reactions.
Our goal at Birkdale Neuro Rehab Centre is to maintain the correct posture which in turn means elongating the muscles and improving joint range in spinal column as well as hip and knee and ankle joints. We also work to maintain and advise on correct posture in sitting and standing.
It is well documented that “strengthening exercises will not prevent muscle wasting and in some cases can cause further damage to the muscle cells”. Therefore it is important to maintain the length of the muscles and ligaments in such a way that improves alignment of the posture and maintain their function.