نبذة مختصرة عن موضوع: (Physiotherapy for Muscular Dystrophy)

What is Muscular Dystrophy


Muscular dystrophy (MD) is an inherited condition characterized by progressive muscular weakness leading to reduced mobility. It is caused by tiny defects in the structure of the genes responsible for the structure and function of a person’s skeletal muscles. The defects cause the muscle fibers to be unable to contract efficiently. Therefore, unlike other conditions that make muscles weak, it is the muscle cells themselves that cause the problem, not the nerves that stimulate the muscles
Muscular dystrophy affects approximately 1 in 20,000 people in the UK. The nine main types of muscular dystrophy are

Duchenne

Becker

Limb-girdle

Congenital

Facioscapulohumeral

Oculopharyngeal

Myotonic dystrophy

Distal

Emery-Dreifuss

There also over one hundred other conditions with distinct similarities with muscular dystrophy


Physiotherapy for Muscular Dystrophy

The specialist neurological physiotherapists can help control the patients physical symptoms and enable them to improve/maintain their quality of life

Physiotherapy treatment usually includes stretching and strengthening programs and activities to help maintain muscle strength, increase flexibility and reduce muscle spasms


The aim of physiotherapy is to


Develop a strengthening and stretching program to stop the development of muscular and joint contractures


Monitor respiratory function and advise on techniques and exercises to maintain the strength of the respiratory muscles and assist with chest clearance


Anticipate and minimize other secondary complications of muscular dystrophy


Provide equipment for mobility i.e. walking aids, orthoses, callipers and wheelchairs


Advise on moving and handling techniques and equipment







References

www.ManchesterNeuroPhysiotherapy.uk