What is muscular dystrophy?

The muscular dystrophies are a group of inherited genetic conditions that gradually cause the muscles to weaken. This leads to an increasing level of disability. There is no cure for muscular dystrophy, but treatment can help manage many of the symptoms.

Symptoms of muscular dystrophy

The symptoms, age of onset and speed of progression can vary hugely depending on the type of muscular dystrophy. However, the common factor is always a pattern of progressive muscle weakness and wasting caused by degeneration of muscle cells. The symptoms often begin by affecting a particular group of muscles before affecting the muscles more widely.

Treatment of muscular dystrophy

Treatment will vary according to your symptoms however physiotherapy is useful to help with many of the symptoms of muscular dystrophy, particularly when there is a specific problem or ongoing symptoms that affect day-to-day activities, mobility and independence.

Following a detailed assessment, your physiotherapist will set specific goals with you and plan a programme of treatment which may involve: hands on treatment and stretches, specific exercises, suggestions of equipment or aids, practical problem solving and advice to improve day-to-day situations.

How can Neurocare Physiotherapy help me?

At Neurocare, we are all highly specialised in treating neurological conditions, so you can be confident that your physiotherapist will have the necessary experience to provide you with the specialist level of treatment which you deserve.