Muscular Dystrophy Program
Our Muscular Dystrophy program provides a coordinated service model of in-clinic physical therapy with virtual occupational and speech therapy to ensure continuity of care and consistent interdisciplinary collaboration.
We address progressive muscle weakness, contractures, mobility decline, respiratory and swallowing changes, and reduced independence in daily routines for individuals with Duchenne, Becker, myotonic, limb-girdle, and other forms of muscular dystrophy.
Our interdisciplinary team coordinates on shared goals. PT addresses stretching, positioning, mobility aids, and safe strengthening in the clinic. OT works via telehealth on daily living adaptations, equipment recommendations, and conservation strategies in the home. ST addresses dysarthria, swallowing, and respiratory-voice coordination as needed. We adapt plans as the condition progresses.
Your Results:
✓ Preserve mobility and delay functional decline with appropriate exercise and stretching
✓ Prevent contractures through positioning, range of motion, and orthotic support
✓ Adapt daily routines and equipment as the condition progresses
✓ Maintain communication, swallowing, and respiratory coordination
Who Is This Program For?
Children and adults with any form of muscular dystrophy. Our delivery model — clinic PT paired with virtual OT and ST — reduces the burden of multiple in-person appointments while maintaining integrated care.
Delivery Model: Hybrid — PT in clinic, OT and ST via telehealth for accessibility and continuity
Why Choose Our Muscular Dystrophy Program?
Coordinated clinic and virtual therapy to support function across the lifespan with muscular dystrophy
Clinic PT + Virtual OT & ST
Coordinated delivery model reduces appointment burden while maintaining integrated care.
Interdisciplinary Team
OT, PT, and ST collaborate across motor, functional, and communication domains.
Lifespan Care
We support children and adults across every stage of muscular dystrophy progression.
Coordinates with MDA Clinics
We work alongside neurology, MDA clinics, pulmonology, and other specialists in your care team.
Targeted Expertise
Our therapists combine advanced clinical training with compassionate, patient-centered care to deliver specialized treatment through:
Range of Motion & Contracture Prevention
Targeted stretching, positioning, and orthotic recommendations to prevent contractures.
Safe Strengthening
Carefully-dosed strengthening that avoids overwork weakness common in MD.
Mobility & Equipment
Assessment and recommendations for walkers, wheelchairs, and assistive devices.
Energy Conservation
OT strategies for pacing, adaptive techniques, and sustainable daily participation.
Speech & Swallowing
Evaluation and treatment of dysarthria and dysphagia as the condition progresses.
Respiratory-Voice Coordination
Strategies that support vocal clarity alongside respiratory changes.
Your Treatment Guide
Detailed information about your care plan, what to expect during treatment, and strategies you can use at home.
Treatment Guide
Muscular Dystrophy: Your Interdisciplinary Treatment Guide
Muscular dystrophy is a group of progressive conditions that affect muscle strength, mobility, and eventually communication and swallowing. Our program integrates Physical Therapy (PT), Occupational Therapy (OT), and Speech-Language Pathology (ST), delivered through a hybrid clinic and virtual model, to preserve function for as long as possible.
Why We Work as an Interdisciplinary Team
Research shows that rehabilitation, when carefully dosed and coordinated, can slow functional decline, prevent contractures, and preserve independence in muscular dystrophy.
Physical Therapy (PT): We focus on safe strengthening, stretching, gait, and mobility equipment, delivered in clinic.
Occupational Therapy (OT): We focus on daily living adaptations, fine motor strategies, energy conservation, and home modifications, delivered via telehealth for continuity.
Speech-Language Pathology (ST): We address dysarthria, swallowing, and respiratory-voice coordination as the condition progresses, delivered via telehealth.
Our Shared Goal: Preserve function, adapt as needed, and support your family's goals throughout the course of the condition.
1. Safe Exercise & Range of Motion
Exercise in muscular dystrophy requires careful dosing, too much can cause overwork weakness, too little leads to deconditioning.
Gentle Strengthening: Submaximal, non-fatiguing exercise that preserves strength without damaging muscle.
Stretching: Daily stretching of hip flexors, hamstrings, heel cords, and elbow flexors to prevent contractures.
Aerobic Activity: Low-impact aerobic conditioning (swimming, stationary cycling) as tolerated.
2. Daily Activities & Equipment
OT works with you and your family on adapting routines as the condition evolves.
Adaptive Techniques: Modifications for dressing, grooming, and self-care that conserve energy.
Mobility Aids: Timely recommendations for walkers, manual or power wheelchairs, and transfer equipment.
Home Modifications: Ramps, grab bars, lifts, and accessible bathrooms as needed.
Technology Access: Adaptive computer access, voice-control, and AAC options when indicated.
3. Communication & Swallowing Support
As muscular dystrophy progresses, ST supports communication and safe eating.
Voice & Speech Clarity: Strategies that support vocal volume and clarity alongside respiratory changes.
Swallowing Safety: Evaluation and treatment of swallowing changes that develop with disease progression.
AAC Transition: When speech becomes effortful, we help plan for augmentative communication.
When to Contact Your Treatment Team
Please reach out if you notice:
New or worsening contractures, pain, or significant mobility decline.
Coughing, choking, or swallowing changes at meals.
Increased respiratory effort, shortness of breath, or sleep disruption.
A need to re-evaluate mobility equipment or home accessibility.
Remember: Muscular dystrophy changes over time. Regular rehab touchpoints, even at lower frequency, let us adapt the plan as the condition evolves.
Frequently Asked Questions
What forms of muscular dystrophy do you treat?
We serve patients with Duchenne, Becker, myotonic, limb-girdle, facioscapulohumeral (FSHD), and other forms of muscular dystrophy. Treatment plans are tailored to the specific type and stage.
Can therapy slow the progression of muscular dystrophy?
Therapy cannot stop underlying disease progression, but it can meaningfully slow functional decline, prevent contractures, preserve mobility, and maintain independence for longer.
Why is OT delivered virtually for muscular dystrophy?
Virtual OT lets the therapist see the patient's actual home environment, recommend equipment and adaptations in context, and reduces the travel burden on families who may already attend frequent medical appointments.
Do you coordinate with my MDA clinic team?
Yes. We work alongside neurology, MDA clinics, pulmonology, and other specialists involved in muscular dystrophy care.
Ready to Get Started?
Contact us to learn more about our Muscular Dystrophy program or to schedule an evaluation with our expert therapists.