How can physical therapy and stretching help people with muscular dystrophy?

For individuals living with muscular dystrophy, physical therapy and consistent stretching are essential components of a comprehensive management plan. While there is currently no cure for these hereditary conditions, these interventions play a vital role in maintaining quality of life and functional independence.12

The primary benefits of physical therapy and stretching include:

• Maintaining Range of Motion: Regular stretching helps individuals preserve a greater range of motion, which is critical as the disease progresses.3
• Preventing Contractures: These practices help avoid muscle contractures, a condition where muscles become abnormally short and tight, further restricting movement.3
• Supporting Mobility: When combined with the use of orthotics, splints, or spinal supports, physical therapy assists in managing physical limitations and supporting the body as muscle weakness advances.12

These therapeutic approaches are often used alongside other supportive measures, such as corticosteroid medications to manage inflammation, to help slow the progression of muscle weakness and maintain functional ability for as long as possible.132