Muscular Dystrophy Guide for Physical Therapists: Everything You Need to Know About Treating Muscle Diseases in Children

There are many different types of muscular dystrophy, each with its own set of symptoms and prognosis. As a physical therapist, it is important to be familiar with the various types of muscular dystrophy in order to provide the best possible care for your patients.

 Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is the most common form of muscular dystrophy, affecting approximately one in every 3500 live male births. DMD is characterized by progressive muscle weakness and wasting. The average life expectancy for patients with DMD is about 25 years.

Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD) is the second most common form of muscular dystrophy, affecting approximately one in every 30,000 live male births. BMD is similar to DMD, but the muscle weakness and wasting progresses more slowly. The average life expectancy for patients with BMD is about 50 years.

Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD) is a group of disorders that affect the muscles of the hip and shoulder girdles. LGMD can be either autosomal dominant or autosomal recessive, and the symptoms can vary widely depending on the specific type of LGMD.

Congenital muscular dystrophy (CMD) is a group of disorders that are present at birth. The severity of CMD can range from very mild to very severe.

Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) is the third most common form of muscular dystrophy, affecting approximately one in every 20,000 live births. FSHD is characterized by muscle weakness and wasting in the face, shoulders, and upper arms.

At Portland Physical Therapy, these are just a few of the most common types of muscular dystrophy. As a physical therapist, it is important to be familiar with the symptoms and progression of each type in order to provide the best possible care for your patients.