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.

Causes have been linked to genetic mutations

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.