Learn About Medical Conditions

Muscular dystrophy (MD) refers to a group of more than 30 inherited diseases that cause muscle weakness and muscle loss. Some forms of MD appear in infancy or childhood, while others may not appear until middle age or later. The different muscular dystrophies vary in who they affect and the symptoms. All forms of MD grow worse as the person’s muscles get weaker. Most people with MD eventually lose the ability to walk.

What treatments are available?

There is no cure for muscular dystrophy. Treatments include physical and speech therapy, orthopedic devices, surgery and medications. Some people with muscular dystrophy have mild cases that worsen slowly. Others cases are disabling and severe.

Learning how to make the most of remaining physical abilities is important with these medical conditions.

Occupational therapists can teach how to adapt the physical environment or our approach to it in order to continue living as independently as possible. Splints and braces may provide some stability while wheelchair design and selection helps maintain mobility. Communication devices may be helpful if speaking ability diminishes. Pool therapy is often used to maintain strength even when land-based exercises are not possible.

For families caring for someone with a chronic progressive disease, caregiver services teach skills for at-home care and can provide respite so caregivers can work, run errands or have a break from caregiving responsibilities.