Muscular Dystrophy

Introduction to Muscular Dystrophy

A collection of hereditary (inherited) disorders that impair muscle function is referred to as muscular dystrophy. Muscular dystrophy symptoms typically get worse with time. These ailments are a type of myopathy, a skeletal muscle disorder.

Your ability to walk, move, and carry out daily tasks may be impacted by muscular dystrophy, depending on the type. Additionally, it may affect the muscles that support the heart and lungs.

Certain types of muscular dystrophy occur in childhood or are present from birth. Other types emerge as people get older.

Types of this condition

There are more than 30 types of muscular dystrophy. There are numerous varieties of MD. Among the more prevalent kinds are:

• Duchenne muscular dystrophy is the most prevalent kind among children. Boys are more likely than females to be affected, and it is severe. Typically, the symptoms begin between the ages of three and six.
• Becker muscular dystrophy: Similar to Duchenne, but less severe and progressing more slowly, is Becker muscular dystrophy. It frequently begins during adolescence.
• Congenital muscular dystrophies manifest before the age of two or at birth. They could be minor or severe.
• Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy typically begins in adolescence. It initially affects the muscles in the upper arms, shoulders, and face.

Common causes of Muscular Dystrophy

Specific genes produce proteins that shield muscle fibres. The majority of muscular dystrophy is caused by an irregular alteration in one of these genes. This may be referred to as a gene mutation.

A genetic mutation specific to each variety of muscular dystrophy is the cause of the disease. The majority of these gene alterations are inherited or transferred from parent to child.

Why Rehabilitation is Critical After Muscular Dystrophy

A key component of managing Muscular Dystrophy (MD) is rehabilitation. Along with medical management, a structured and consistent rehabilitation program helps individuals maintain strength, mobility, and independence for as long as possible. The primary goals are to slow muscle weakness, enhance functional abilities, and support participation in daily life activities with improved quality of life.

Key reasons why rehabilitation is essential:

• Early intervention: Starting rehabilitation early helps delay muscle contractures, joint stiffness, and postural deformities, allowing better long-term mobility and function.
• Specialised care: Tailored therapies such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy, respiratory therapy, and speech therapy address muscle weakness, coordination issues, breathing difficulties, and swallowing challenges.
• Multidisciplinary approach: A coordinated team—including physiatrists, neurologists, therapists, nutritionists, and psychologists—works together to provide holistic care that meets both physical and emotional needs.
• Adaptive equipment and technologies: Use of orthotic supports, mobility aids, and assistive devices enhances independence in daily activities, ensuring safety and reducing caregiver dependence.
• Focus on respiratory and cardiac health: Rehabilitation programs incorporate exercises and monitoring to preserve lung and heart function, which are often affected in advanced stages of muscular dystrophy.
• Psychological and social support: Rehabilitation fosters self-confidence, helps manage emotional challenges, and encourages active participation in school, work, and community life.

Ensuring access to continuous and comprehensive rehabilitation is vital. People living with Muscular Dystrophy deserve supportive care that preserves dignity, promotes autonomy, and enables them to lead meaningful, active lives.

Signs & Symptoms of Muscular Dystrophy

Depending on the type of muscular dystrophy, the symptoms can differ greatly.

Symptoms associated with muscles and movement can include:

• Atrophy of muscles.
• Difficulty running, walking, or climbing stairs.
• Abnormal gait, such as toe walking or waddling.
• Joints that are loose or stiff.
• Permanent tightening of your muscles, tendons and skin (contractures).
• Spasticity.
• Pain in the muscles.

Other signs and symptoms may include:

• Exhaustion.
• Swallowing difficulties (dysphagia).
• Cardiac issues, including arrhythmia, cardiomyopathy, or heart failure.
• Scoliosis, or a curved spine.
• Breathing problems.
• Intellectual impairments.
• Learning disability.

Specific forms of muscular dystrophy have minor symptoms that gradually worsen with age.