Treatment and Care of Muscular Dystrophy
There's currently no cure for any form of muscular dystrophy. Research into gene therapy may eventually provide treatment to stop the progression of some types of muscular dystrophy.
Different therapies are available to help improve the condition and the patients quality of life.
Physical Therapy Beginning physical therapy early can help keep muscles flexible and strong. A combination of physical activity and stretching exercises may be recommended. Respiratory Therapy Many people with MD do not realize they have little respiratory strength until they have difficulty coughing or an infection leads to pneumonia. Regular visits to a specialist early in the diagnosis of MD can help guide treatment before a respiratory problem occurs. Eventually, many MD patients require assisted ventilation. Speech Therapy MD patients who experience weakness in the facial and throat muscles may benefit from learning to slow the pace of their speech by pausing more between breaths and by using special communication equipment. Occupational Therapy As physical abilities change, occupational therapy can help patients with MD relearn these movements and abilities. Occupational therapy also teaches patients to use assistive devices such as wheelchairs and utensils. (http://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/musculardys /conditioninfo/pages/treatment.aspx) |
There are also different medications that can be given to help improve mobility and decrease deterioration of the muscles
(http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/muscular-dystrophy/DS00200/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs) |