Has Your Child Been Diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy?
For a parent, the only thing worse than facing a chronic health issue is seeing your child have to face one. Muscular dystrophy is a scary diagnosis; one that is typically filled with a lot of questions and uncertainty about the future.
When faced with a chronic diagnosis like this, it is common to want to take a seat and wallow in the things that have gone wrong, but this is the wrong approach to take. Taking early steps to help your child succeed with pediatric physical therapy can make a huge difference in their quality of life as they age.
If you are facing a diagnosis of muscular dystrophy in your child, it is never too early to contact our Lake Charles, LA physical therapists to learn more about the modes of support available to you. Call Partners in Physical Therapy today to learn more.
How can I recognize the signs of muscular dystrophy?
For most parents of children with muscular dystrophy, the diagnosis comes as a huge surprise. The condition is not commonly discussed until the child is between the ages of 3-5, which is when most children start to become more independent and begin attending school.
At this time, there are certain signs that parents ought to be on the lookout for. These indicators could point to a problem such as muscular dystrophy, or they could be indications of lesser issues that would still benefit from pediatric treatment with our Lake Charles, LA physical therapy services.
These indicators include:
- Waddling gait
- A slow run
- Frequent toe walking
- Reoccurring tumbles
Weakness in the hips and legs is the most common first sign of muscular dystrophy, though the weakness will eventually lead to other areas of the body, regardless of where it begins.
Working with our Lake Charles, LA physical therapists can be helpful in providing additional support to muscle development.
At first, intensive physical therapy can combat some of the muscle loss. The goal of pediatric physical therapy is to help children develop muscle strength to become as flexible, strong, and symmetrical as possible.
The therapy will include a combination of exercises, stretches, and posture training, and may also extend to include additional treatment methods, like hydro-based therapy.
Physical therapy and muscular dystrophy
Physical therapy is integral to maintain muscle functioning and avoid joint problems. The goals of such therapy are to help a patient stay as flexible, strong and symmetrical as possible. Our Lake Charles, LA physical therapists work with children to exercise, stretch, and maintain appropriate posture.
They may assist with hydro-based therapy, and continually observe a child’s spine, respiratory, and musculoskeletal function. Physical therapists are also key in prescribing and monitoring adaptive seating and equipment.
Many parents also rely on the therapists to assist their child’s school staff with modifications, advocating for the family, and communicating with insurance companies. Even when a child is relegated to a wheelchair, physical therapy can help improve that child’s abilities.
Get your child started on the right track! Contact us today
Physical therapy can be a tremendously helpful tool, especially in the face of a muscular dystrophy diagnosis.
