What is Muscular Dystrophy?
It is the name given to a group of neuromuscular disorders that cause progressive and irreversible weakness and wasting of muscles. There are different types of muscular dystrophy. The most common ones are:
- Duchenne – this is the most common in children. It usually affects boys, but girls can still be carriers of the disease.
- Becker – it is like Duchenne but is milder and progresses more slowly. Symptoms usually occur later, during the teen years.
- Myotonic – this is the most common in adults, affecting both men and women. Affected persons are unable to relax their muscles after using them.
- Facioscapulohumeral (FSHD) – symptoms usually begin in the face and shoulders. It can start in the teenage years, but may begin later, and affects both females and males.
- Limb-girdle – the hip and shoulder muscles are usually affected first. It generally first occurs in childhood or the teenage years in both males and females.
What are the causes of muscular dystrophy?
Causes have been linked to genetic mutations
Can physiotherapy help people with muscular dystrophy?
Yes. The focus of physiotherapy is to relief pain, slow down the progression of the complications associated with muscular dystrophy, improve your quality of life, prolong independence and ensure that you are functioning safely at a high level for as long as possible.
What are the symptoms of muscular dystrophy?
Progressive muscle weakness
Frequent falls
Difficulty rising from a lying or sitting up position
Trouble running and jumping
Waddling gait
Walking on the toes
Large calf muscles
Muscle pain and stiffness
Learning disabilities
How will physiotherapy help my AC Joint injury?
A Physiotherapist’s goals of treatment will be to:
Reduce pain and inflammation
Improve your joint range of movement
Increase the shoulder muscle strength
Improve your shoulder blade and collar bone alignment
Improve your muscle length
Improve your upper limb proprioception
Improve your technique and function especially when lifting or doing overhead activities
Minimise your chance of reinjury as you return to work or sport
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