Have you recently discovered that your child suffers from muscular dystrophy (MD)? You’re probably feeling a variety of emotions right now, ranging from stress to concern to confusion about how to best support your child. We want you to know you’re not alone—and that the pediatric physical therapists at Mark Their Words Therapy Services can assist you!
There are over 30 different types of muscular dystrophy, according to the National Institutes of Health. To make matters even more difficult, many diseases, such as mitochondrial disorders, resemble muscular dystrophy and may be mistaken for it at first.
MD or a related disorder can be diagnosed through a comprehensive medical evaluation that includes genetic testing. The prognosis and treatment strategies may differ depending on the type of MD.
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is the most common, accounting for 50% of all cases. DMD is an X-linked mutation, so it affects men more severely. Females who have the mutation may experience mild symptoms.
If your child has been diagnosed with muscular dystrophy. It is never too early to contact a pediatric physical therapist to learn more about the different types of assistance available to you! Therapists at Mark Their Words Therapy Services in Killeen, TX are available and eager to help you and your child.
What are symptoms of muscular dystrophy in children?
Parents are the first to notice and recognize movement problems in their children. When a problem arises, it can be difficult to know what to do next. Here are some basic questions to help parents get started.
- Are your child’s developmental milestones being met?
- Is your child losing previously acquired skills?
- Is your child struggling to keep up with siblings or peers on the playground?
If any of these questions are concerning you, the first step is for your pediatrician to initiate the diagnostic and physical therapy referral process.
If you suspect DMD, some early warning signs to look for are:
- Falls
- Difficulty walking and running
- Enlarged calf muscles
- Cardiovascular and respiratory problems
- Loss of independent ambulation over time
If you have any concerns, your pediatrician can refer you to specialists, such as a physical therapist.
How can pediatric physical therapy help with muscular dystrophy?
Pediatric physical therapy can help your child gain better access to their environment. Early intervention with physical therapy can help slow the progression of DMD by providing exercises and energy conservation strategies to the child and family.
Physical therapists can collaborate with providers of durable medical equipment and orthotists to fit your child for supportive bracing and assistive devices. They can also advise you on home modifications that will make your home more accessible and secure for your child.
What works for a child with DMD in their early years will not be the same as they grow older. Because the therapist will know your child and family, establishing a good working relationship with a physical therapist early on will make managing the journey with DMD easier.
Individuals with DMD can benefit from a variety of physical therapy interventions. Stretching programs and the use of orthotics can assist in the prevention of contractures. Aquatic physical therapy can be a wonderful and liberating experience for patients with DMD. The water creates a conducive environment for movement.
Physical therapists can also help the child and family by collaborating with school personnel, advocating on their behalf, and communicating with insurance companies. Physical therapists are important members of the child’s care team and can help improve their abilities at any age.
While this disease is one of the most researched in the world, the scientific community still doesn’t understand much about it. There is no definitive cure, but there are emerging gene therapies and other promising interventions. Physical therapists are trained to keep up with the most recent treatments and interventions to help your child with DMD function as well as possible.
Are you ready to start your child on a treatment plan?
In the face of a muscular dystrophy diagnosis, pediatric physical therapy can be a tremendously beneficial tool. Physical therapists are experts in movement. They are taught to consider the entire patient in order to maximize function. Regardless of their condition, your child deserves to live as fully as possible.
Call Mark Their Words Therapy Services in Killeen, TX today for more information and to schedule an evaluation for your child with our physical therapy team.
Sources:
- https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/musculardys/conditioninfo/types
- https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Hope-Through-Research/Muscular-Dystrophy-Hope-Through-Research
- https://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases/6291/duchenne-muscular-dystrophy
Tags: Child Development, Pediatric Therapist, Muscular Dystrophy, pediatric treatment
