Physiotherapy

There is plenty of anecdotal evidence to support the role of physiotherapy in helping to manage neuromuscular conditions.

Physiotherapy is the physical treatment or management of a disease or condition. Physiotherapists are concerned with enabling children to reach their maximum physical potential. Their aim is to:

• minimise the development of contractures and deformity by developing a programme of stretches and exercises where appropriate 
• anticipate and minimise other secondary complications of a physical nature 
• prescribe equipment such as orthoses, callipers, wheelchairs and standing frames. 
• advise on moving and handling issues and equipment 
• monitor respiratory function and advise on techniques to assist with breathing exercises and methods of clearing secretions.
  
  They can assist in ensuring as fulfilling a lifestyle as possible, giving advice on activities that are not only beneficial but can be enjoyed throughout life.
  

Physiotherapy Management for Duchenne muscular dystrophy

A booklet about physiotherapy in the home and the parent/physiotherapist partnership is now available.

The booklet is free to parents. It can also be downloaded in pdf format.

Physiotherapy booklet

Information for physiotherapists

This factsheet provides some information for physiotherapists about children with neuromuscular conditions.

Physiotherapists factsheet

Other materials

There are two other sources of information that parents who have a child with Duchenne muscular dystrophy may find useful:

1. Giving a Face to Duchenne MD - Understanding the Disease, Guidelines for Care and Management (two DVDs)
Produced by Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy, the first DVD provides an overview of the condition, while the second DVD offers more information about care and management issues.

For further details, please visit Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy's website at: www.parentprojectmd.org

2. Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy - A Team Approach to Management (A book and two videos, one of which is "An Overview of Physiotherapy Management")
Produced by MontroseACCESS. Please email information@montroseaccess.org.au for more information.

Physiotherapy at the NMC

The Neuromuscular Centre, in Cheshire, has a team of Chartered Physiotherapists who specialise in the management of neuromuscular conditions.

The team provides assessments and treatment advice, as well as information about equipment that can help.

Look at the NMC's website for more information