Physiotherapy Management

The Muscular Dystrophy Campaign, with funding from the Somerfield Group, has published an exercise pack for children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy who need physiotherapy at home in order to reduce the effects of their neuromuscular condition.

The publication is called Physiotherapy Management for Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Background

In 1993 the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign published Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: A Parent's Guide to Physiotherapy in the Home written by Sylvia Hyde F.C.S.P. Although out of print for more five years there has been a continued demand, from families of children with the condition, for the book to be reprinted.

Much of the new publication is based on that earlier book but updated in light of our increased understanding over the last decade of the effects of exercise and physiotherapy on patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

What's in the pack

The pack contains an easy-to-read guide that introduces the reader to physiotherapy, explains how the body is affected by Duchenne muscular dystrophy and outlines what exercises can be taken to maintain the child’s mobility.

Cards describing specific exercises are also contained within the pack. The cards feature instructions for exercising the ankles, knees, hips, elbows, wrist, fingers and calf muscles. A chart is also included for recording what exercises are being undertaken and in what order.

Downloads and ordering a copy

If you wish, you can download the physiotherapy booklet by clicking these links:

• Exercise cards.pdf (296 kb)
• Physiotherapy book.pdf (249 kb)
• Physiotherapy folder.pdf (74 kb)

However, as the pack includes separate exercise charts and cards, it may be more useful to order a hard copy. Parents can order a free copy (postage and packing is also free) by emailing info@muscular-dystrophy.org

Credits

Many thanks to Lyn Hemmings, Superintendent Paediatric Physiotherapist at the Frenchay Hospital in Bristol, who updated the book. We would also like to thank the specialist physiotherapists who reviewed the material in this publication.

Thank you also to Somerfield Group Ltd, which provided funding for this project.