Should people with DMD undergo physical therapy?

Yes, individuals with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) can benefit from physical therapy as part of their overall management and care plan. Physical therapy plays a crucial role in helping to maintain mobility, flexibility, and overall function in individuals with DMD.

Physical therapy for people with DMD aims to:

1. Maintain Range of Motion: Physical therapy exercises and stretches can help maintain flexibility in muscles and joints, which can otherwise become stiff due to muscle weakness and reduced mobility.
2. Delay Contractures: Contractures, which are the shortening and tightening of muscles and tendons, are common in DMD. Physical therapy interventions can help delay the development of contractures by stretching and strengthening exercises.
3. Preserve Muscle Strength: While DMD leads to progressive muscle weakness, specific exercises supervised by a physical therapist can help preserve existing muscle strength and function to some extent.
4. Improve Mobility and Functional Abilities: Physical therapists can provide adaptive techniques and devices to assist with mobility, such as braces, walkers, or wheelchairs, which can improve the individual's independence and quality of life.
5. Respiratory Support: As respiratory muscles weaken in individuals with DMD, physical therapists can offer respiratory exercises and techniques to maintain lung function and assist with breathing exercises.
6. Education and Guidance: Physical therapists can educate both the individual and their caregivers on proper positioning, transfers, and exercises that can be done at home to optimize function and prevent complications.

It's crucial for individuals with DMD to have an individualized physical therapy program tailored to their specific needs and stage of the condition. Working with a qualified physical therapist who understands the unique challenges of DMD can significantly improve the individual's functional abilities and overall well-being.