Physiotherapy can help children and adults with neuromuscular disorders learn the best ways to maximize their muscle function and accomplish activities of daily living.
Treatment strategies include:
- Daily stretching to improve or maintain range of movements in the arms, legs and body.
- Provision of splints, orthoses, seating equipment, standing devices etc. to improve or maintain range of movements in the arms, legs and body, improve daily function such as sitting and standing, and improve respiratory function by encouraging upright postures if allowed.
- Prescription of submaximal exercises or activities, and aquatic therapy exercises (i.e. exercises in warm water) to improve or maintain muscle strength and flexibility in the arms, legs and body.
- Through the use of non-invasive, or later invasive, assisted ventilation can help children and adults with neuromuscular disorders to maintain their respiratory function, clear the respiratory secretions and prevent respiratory infections. Education to the carers on how to confidently use the respiratory device at home is also important as part of self-management for the children and adults with neuromuscular disorders.
- Provision of assistive devices to maximize mobility including walking devices, strollers, scooters, manual or motorized wheelchairs.
- Home and/or school visits can help teachers and parents find the best physical solutions for full participation of the children and young adults with neuromuscular diseases in their home and school environments.
