Physiotherapy for muscular dystrophy

Muscular dystrophy belongs to the hereditary, conditional diseases and is characterized by an increasing weakness of the musculature of the entire body. Depending on the form of the disease, patients gradually lose their mobility and independence. The two forms of Duchenne and Becker-Kiener are the most significant forms of muscle weakness. In the following text, the causes of muscular dystrophy are explained and treatment approaches are described which can nevertheless help the patient in everyday life.

Physiotherapy

The disease of muscular dystrophy is genetically determined. However, there are treatment methods for the symptoms of muscular dystrophy. Besides the skeletal muscles, the respiratory muscles can also be strengthened.

Depending on whether the lungs and heart are affected, these are in any case treated medically. Due to the weakening of the entire musculature in the body, the heart can lead to cardiac arrhythmia or cardiac hypertension, which must be treated by medication and/or surgery. Since the weak skeletal muscles can no longer stabilize the body, joints have to withstand a higher load.

This can lead to malpositions such as scoliosis or malpositions of the feet, which are aggravated by immobility. To counteract the weak skeletal muscles, physiotherapy is relevant. Strengthening exercises are carried out so that the patient can stand up better.

Respiratory therapy can also be used to treat the respiratory muscles and to strengthen them. Through improved ventilation of the body, the patient’s performance also improves. Respiratory therapy can also be applied by the physiotherapist through manual grips on the patient if the patient is in a high stage of muscular dystrophy.

Exercises that create an improvement

The first two exercises are for strengthening the legs, as they are severely affected in all forms of muscular dystrophy. Do each of these exercises for 15-20 repetitions and repeat the series 3-5 times. 1) Lie on your back and stretch your arms and legs loosely and leave them there.

Just pull your feet alternately and stretch them out again. The legs remain loosely stretched and only the feet move as if you were operating a sewing machine. 2) For the next exercise stay on your back and leave your arms and legs stretched out again.

Then pull both legs one after the other and stretch them out again. When pulling the legs up, the heel will drag along the bed. To increase this, you can lift the leg completely while pulling it up so that the heel no longer touches your bed.

3) This exercise is intended for the upper body. You can remain seated for this exercise. Try to stand up and let your hands hang loosely.

Make your neck long and look forward. Your chin tilts back towards your neck and your shoulders are directed backwards. Go into the medal position by pointing your chest forward.

Be careful not to fall into a hollow back and tense her abdominal muscles. Roll your pelvis backwards so that your pelvic scoops tilt backwards. You can help by placing your hands on your pelvis and controlling it.

Try to keep the position in the upper and lower part of your torso. 4) The next exercise is from breathing therapy and to strengthen your breathing. You can remain seated and place both palms of your hands under the arches of your ribs at the side of your waist.

These serve as a target to breathe in this part of the upper body. Breathe in through your nose and try to breathe in as deeply as possible. During inhalation, the area around the hands should move outwards.

Through the mouth you will then exhale again and the chest will become narrower again. The number of repetitions in this exercise may be lower, because you might get dizzy if you repeat too many times. A comprehensive selection of exercises can be found in the article listed here: Exercises for muscular dystrophy, but you can also find suitable exercises in the following articles:

  • Exercises legs
  • Breathing exercises
  • Water gymnastics