Rehabilitation specialists
Rehabilitation personnel include physicians, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, orthotists and durable medical equipment providers. These specialists ensure…
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Patients undergo regular functional assessments
- North Star Ambulatory Assessment (NSAA)
- Timed function tests
- Appropriate daily stretches are prescribed
- Patients are aware of appropriate exercises to maintain range of motion
- Pain is assessed and addressed at all ages
Interventions by rehabilitation specialists
Direct treatment should be provided by physical and occupational therapists and speech-language pathologists, tailored to individual needs, disease stage, response to therapy and tolerance
Therapy should focus on:
Daily preventive home stretching 4–6 times per week
Stretching for structures known to be at risk of contracture and deformity and those identified by assessment
Orthotic intervention, splinting, casting, positioning and equipment *Learn more
Rehabilitation specialists should also consider: *Learn more
- Pain prevention and management
- Exercise and activity
- Falls and fracture prevention and management
- Management of learning, attentional, and sensory processing differences
- Assistive technology and adaptive equipment
- Participation
Benefits of rehabilitation
Along with glucocorticoid treatment, physiotherapy is the mainstay of DMD treatment and should continue after loss of ambulation
Rehabilitation management can help to:
- Minimise contractures
- Limit loss of function
- Maintain skin integrity
- Reduce pain
- Minimise deformity
- Promote cardiorespiratory function
Providers should consider each individual’s goals and lifestyle to optimise quality of life across the lifespan