Muscular Dystrophy
Muscular Dystrophy refers to a group of genetic diseases that cause muscle weakness. Muscular Dystrophy is a rare disease when over time your muscles shrink and become weaker. Muscular Dystrophy may affect the way you perform your daily activities such as the way you brush your teeth or walk. Muscular Dystrophy runs in families and can appear at birth or develop during childhood or adulthood. One or both parents may pass a faulty gene to their child even if the parent doesn’t have the condition.
There are more than 30 different types of Muscular Dystrophy. The more common forms include Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD), Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD), Congenital muscular dystrophies (CMD), and Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD).
Depending on the type of Muscular Dystrophy, you may experience different symptoms and different muscle aches. Besides muscle weakness, other signs of Muscular Dystrophy may include:
- Difficulty walking or running
- Unusual walking patterns
- Stiff or loose joints
- Muscle pain
- Curved spine
- Breathing problems
- Heart problems
Muscular Dystrophy does not have a cure but there are treatments that can help manage the pain and the progression of the symptoms. Physical therapy and occupational therapy help maintain function, increase range of motion (ROM) and improve quality of life. Physical therapists and occupational therapists are movement experts and help to strengthen and stretch muscles. Physical therapy and Occupational therapy can help with keeping the muscles flexible and strong to avoid muscle tightness.
At Reddy Care Physical, Occupational and Aquatic Therapy, your physical therapist and/or occupational therapist will provide an evaluation to develop a unique treatment plan for your specific needs. Call our office today to schedule an appointment or to find out more information.
Great Neck: 475 Northern Blvd., Ste.11, Great Neck, NY 11021 Tel. (516) 829-0030
Farmingdale: 309 North West Dr., Farmingdale, NY 11735 Tel. (516) 420-2900
Woodbury: 150 Woodbury Rd., Woodbury, NY 11797 Tel. (516) 367-1111
Deer Park: 2024 Deer Park Ave., Deer Park, NY 11729 Tel. (631) 243-0247
North Shore Towers: 272-78 Grand Central Pkwy., Floral Park, NY 11005 Tel. (516) 344-0030
In-Home Physical & Occupational Therapy (Home Care): 516-829-0030
*Home therapy servicing Long Island, Queens, Staten Island, Brooklyn, the Bronx & Manhattan*
Bayside - Aquatic Therapy: 208-32 Cross Island Pkwy., Bayside, NY11360 Tel. (718) 224-8480
Oceanside: 2421 S Long Beach Rd., Oceanside, NY 11572 Tel. (516) 992-2282
Sources: ChoosePT, Clevelandclinic
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Written by:
Dr. Vinod Somareddy, PT, DPT
President
Reddy Care Physical Therapy
Reddy Care Occupational Therapy
Reddy Care Aquatic Therapy