Top Questions on Managing muscle disorders

Dr. Julie Mercy J DavidErasmus Mundus Master in Adapted Physical Activity, MPT, BPTh/BPTPhysiotherapist

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Duchenne muscular dystrophy symptoms dmd most commonly appears in children between 3 and 6 years old. Children may have difficulty walking or getting up from a seated position or from lying down. Parents or caretakers may notice weakness of the shoulder and pelvis, abnormal clumsiness and frequent falling. Other symptoms and signs include: •difficulty going up stairs •inability to jump •walking on tip-toe ••leg pain facial weakness, including inability to whistle or close eyes heart problems may include irregular heartbeat and enlargement of the heart muscle tissue. If the spine becomes curved (scoliosis), breathing and lung function may become difficult. Risk factors for duchenne muscular dystrophy dmd is a genetic disease caused by a gene on the x chromosome that mothers can pass on to their sons. The gene affects a protein called dystrophin that muscles require to function normally. Diagnosing duchenne muscular dystrophy after conducting a physical and taking a detailed history of signs and symptoms, noting any occurrence of muscular dystrophy in family members, the doctor examines your child and runs tests, including: blood tests: these include genetic blood tests, which can reveal the gene mutation causing absence of dystrophin in about two thirds of boys with dmd. Muscle biopsy: for those children who have clinical evidence of dmd but who do not show one of the common mutations, a small sample of muscle tissue examined under a microscope can confirm the diagnosis. Electromyogram (emg): this test checks to see if your child’s muscle weakness is a result of destruction of muscle tissue rather than nerve damage. Electrocardiogram (ecg or ekg): a test that records the electrical activity of the heart, an ecg shows abnormal rhythms (arrhythmias or dysrhythmias) and detects heart muscle damage. A genetics counselor reviews the history of disease with each family, discusses the principles of inheritance and helps weigh risks and benefits of genetic testing of various family members, including the affected child and potentially carrier testing for the mother. Duchenne muscular dystrophy treatment a multidisciplinary approach with a team of specialists with experience in treating dmd can offer your child the chance for longer survival and better quality of life. The first line of treatment is corticosteroids, which have been shown in clinical trials to decrease the rate of declining strength in people with dmd. A neurologist will manage this treatment and help minimize medications’ side effects. The neurologist directs your child’s care and coordinates services among the team, which is likely to include additional experts: •physical and occupational rehabilitation professionals design exercise programs for your child and teach stretching activities to minimize limiting contractures. •orthopaedic surgeons with expertise in dmd can treat severe contractures and scoliosis. •pediatric cardiologists track your child’s heart function with ekgs and echocardiograms. •a designated muscular dystrophy association liaison is critically important, offering support to families and schools on a number of levels including social, financial and educational. 

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Dr. Julie Mercy J DavidErasmus Mundus Master in Adapted Physical Activity, MPT, BPTh/BPTPhysiotherapist

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Stop doing that activity. This must be due to your muscular strain and posture and it may not be due to any other reasons. It is better to correct your addictive behaviour by consulting the right physician. For the time being for the back pain, apply ice. 

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Dr. Julie Mercy J DavidErasmus Mundus Master in Adapted Physical Activity, MPT, BPTh/BPTPhysiotherapist

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Warm up before exercising. Stretch daily to improve your range of motion and flexibility. Rest after exercising. Take days off or work different muscle groups on different days. Strengthen your deltoid muscles so they can handle more strenuous exercise. You should also strengthen your core so that it can help support your shoulders while you exercise. If you work at a computer, make sure your keyboard is positioned so that your shoulders don’t strain up or down when typing. Practice good posture. Desk angels sitting straight in your chair with perfect posture, place your arms at shoulder level with a 90-degree bend in your elbows. Keeping your head and torso stationary, slowly move your arms overhead, reaching your hands toward the ceiling. Try to keep your arms in line with your ears as you move up to the ceiling and slowly back to the starting position. You should feel some pulling in your midback, which helps to relax your spine. Repeat 10 times. Shoulder rolls keep your back straight and your chin tucked in. Roll your shoulders forward, up, back, and down in a circular motion. Repeat 10 times, then reverse. Upper trapezius stretch sitting with your back straight, tilt your head sideways toward your shoulder. For a larger stretch, drop your shoulder blade on the opposite side toward the floor. Hold for 10 seconds. Repeat twice on each side. Armpit stretch this stretch will make it look like you’re trying to smell your own armpit, so perhaps you should perform this one when you’re sure no one is looking. Sit with your back straight. Rotate your head sideways so that your nose is directly above your armpit. Hold the back of your head with your hand and use it to gently push your nose closer to your armpit. Don’t push to the point of discomfort. Hold for 10 seconds. Repeat twice on each side. 

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Dr. Rahul RaiMSPT (Master of Physical Therapy), Bachelor of physiotherapyPhysiotherapist

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You can weaning off from laxative gradually .dnt stop sudeen. Take fiber rich diet and much water. Do regular exercises. 

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Dr. Julie Mercy J DavidErasmus Mundus Master in Adapted Physical Activity, MPT, BPTh/BPTPhysiotherapist

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Cold compresses can help reduce swelling in the area. Cooling also helps to numb sharp pain. Apply an ice pack for up to 20 minutes, up to five times a day. Use a frozen gel pack, ice cubes in a plastic bag, or a bag of frozen peas. Wrap the cold pack in a soft towel. Do not apply a cold pack directly to skin. Heat therapyheat helps to relax tense muscles and soothe a stiff area. It can help with muscle pain and arthritis in the shoulder. Use a heated gel pack, heating pad or a hot water bottle. 

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Dr. Julie Mercy J DavidErasmus Mundus Master in Adapted Physical Activity, MPT, BPTh/BPTPhysiotherapist

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I cannot prescribe about medicines as I am a physiotherapist however you can do exercises for the upper limb ie. Elbow and finger. In general during the recovery phase the upper limbs will automatically go for tightness / spasticity. 

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Dr. Bollum ChakrapaniMBBSGeneral Physician

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You seem to be under severe stress. You need to calm your nerves. Please practice yoga and meditation under qualified yoga therapist. 

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Dr. Subhabrata Hore(pt)BPT, BScPhysiotherapist

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There r lots of physiotherapeutic treatment protocol for muscular dys trophy .u can get from youtube but better first consult with a physiotherapist, learn from his what to do whatever exercises he suggests .do continue at home in regular basis. 

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Dr. Julie Mercy J DavidErasmus Mundus Master in Adapted Physical Activity, MPT, BPTh/BPTPhysiotherapist

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. Exercise helps maintain muscle tone. It also helps preserve and recover joint range of motion and function. 

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Dr. Julie Mercy J DavidErasmus Mundus Master in Adapted Physical Activity, MPT, BPTh/BPTPhysiotherapist

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Does your bleeding get stopped after a while or you bleed for a long time. You need to check with your vitamin k levels. 

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