Duchenne muscular dystrophy

What Is Duchenne muscular dystrophy?

Duchenne muscular dystrophy, or DMD, is a neuromuscular condition that occurs in boys, caused by a genetic mutation. The problem occurs at the neuromuscular junction, the crossover between the nervous system and the muscles. This means the muscles do not get the correct messages and therefore do not function correctly. Because the problem occurs at the very end of the nervous system, right at the muscle crossover, the central nervous system is not affected, and people with DMD tend to have normal intelligence. Because the heart and lungs are made of muscle, these become affected later on in DMD and problems with breathing are common. At BBP, we are following all the latest research, and are very hopeful that new treatment drugs will be discovered soon.

Our Superheroes with DMD enjoy doing everything their friends do! Although their lives are different, they never let this get in the way of enjoying an active and fulfilling life. Our clients frequently face challenges as they get older and learn more about their condition and how it affects them. They have access to an excellent team of support, who work closely with Team BBP to ensure the most sensitive and empathetic approach is made to all treatment.

How can physiotherapy help?

Physiotherapy takes many different forms for our Superheroes with DMD. We tailor our approach to the individual, their personality and what is important to them. This can be anything, ranging from increasing leg strength, playing frame Football, to arm-strength for styling hair. We even had a courageous client who worked on his sitting balance so he could sit and enjoy drinks at the pub on his 18th birthday!

Strengthening

Strengthening is a huge part of physiotherapy intervention for DMD superheroes. Usually, the leg and arm muscles are the first to be affected. We aim to strengthen and maintain movements in all affected joints to aid participation and prevent breathing problems for as long as possible.

Mobility

We work closely with wheelchair services, NHS professionals and occupational therapists to ensure the best balance of postural management so that independence is achieved for our DMD superheroes. We base all of our goals around our clients’ wishes. Some of our Superheroes want to work on their independent or aided walking for as long as possible. Others want to explore other options for speed and independence, and some want a mix of both! We will get to know your Superhero, what makes them happy and what their favourite activities are so we can tailor all of our intervention around them.

Assistive devices

As technology is improving, so are adaptive and assisted devices for people with disabilities. There is a huge world of tailor-made and off-the-shelf gadgets, and we love exploring and trialling these to suit our DMD clients.

Maintaining range of movement

We measure range of movement regularly and prescribe active and passive stretches and sustained positions when required. We liaise with all other professionals involved in your Superhero’s care, and when conservative management is not enough, we will recommend other avenues of management.

Function and participation

All of our goals are bespoke, and tailored to the client’s needs. This could be having fun and playing with toys, socialising with friends, maintaining independence or going partying! Whatever we work on in physio sessions is sure to help towards a functional goal in our Superheroes’ lives.

To find out how we can help your DMD Superhero, contact us.