Muscular Dystrophy is a group of hereditary disorders (diseases that are passed to from parents to children), in which the muscles

of the patient become weaker and decrease in size and these conditions worsen with time. There is no specific age group for Muscular dystrophy condition, thus it mean the disease can occur at almost any age, ranging from early childhood to adult ages. There are many types of muscular dystrophy which are listed below :

Becker Muscular Dystrophy Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy Myotonic Muscular Dystrophy

Congenital Muscular Dystrophy Fascio-scapulo-humeral Muscular Dystrophy Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy

Muscular Dystrophy can affect any all the muscles of a body, a group of muscles or muscles in specific region of the body, it has been observed that most of the types of muscular dystrophy effect only males whereas other effect both males and females. Causes of Muscular Dystrophy Muscular dystrophy does not have any causes like other diseases but it is caused by the defects in the gene which results in no or less production of dystrophin which in turn causes different types of muscular dystrophy according to the extent of defect present in that specific gene. This disorder is X-linked which means that a carrier mother may transfer the disease to her son (X-Y) even when she is not suffering from this disorder, in case of females this only occurs when both the genes (X-X) present in her are defected which is extremely rare.

Muscular Dystrophy Symptoms Symptoms of muscular dystrophy can appear at any age but in most of the cases the symptoms are severe in younger ages, also the intensity of the symptoms depends on what type of muscular dystrophy is affecting the patient.

The patient faces progressive muscle loss The ability to maintain balance is quite poor a results in frequently falling of the patient There is difficulty in respiration Ptosis (drooping of eyelids) is also observed There is partial or complete loss of motor control of muscles, which causes several other problems like waddling gait.
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There is loss in size and strength of a single muscle or a group of muscles. In rare cases mental retardation has also been observed including difficulties in learning.

Signs and other related pathological conditions There can be observed some abnormal physical deformities like :

Improperly curved spine which is called scoliosis. Contracture in the joints resulting in clubfeet or claw hands. Abnormal tone of the muscles can also be observed like hypotonia (loss of normal tone) The condition can affect the muscle of heart which is called cardiac myopathy which results in the arrhythmias (disturbance in rhythm of heart beat).

Muscular Dystrophy Treatment At current moment, there is no known effective cures or treatment present for any of the types of muscular dystrophy, and in most of the cases death occurs in severe types and in cases of milder types patient can enjoy life with some care and support from others. Treatment is done in order to correct related signs like maintain the tone of muscles, avoid the joints contractions along with physiotherapy to improve the quality of life. Physiotherapy for Muscular Dystrophy The specialist neurological physiotherapists at Manchester Neuro Physio can help control your childs physical symptoms and enable them to improve/maintain their quality of life. Physiotherapy treatment usually includes stretching and strengthening programmes and activities / games to help maintain muscle strength, increase flexibility and reduce muscle spasms. Activities performed that are not only beneficial but are very enjoyable for your child. The aim of physiotherapy is to:

Develop a strengthening and stretching programme to stop the development of muscular and joint contractures Monitor respiratory function and advise on techniques and exercises to maintain the strength of the respiratory muscles and assist with chest clearance. Anticipate and minimise other secondary complications of muscular dystrophy Provide equipment for mobility ie. walking aids, orthoses, callipers and wheelchairs Advise on moving and handling techniques and equipment With your consent, refer to other appropriate medical health professionals

Physiotherapy for muscular dystrophy At Manchester Physio, we provide specialist physiotherapy treatment for people with muscular dystrophy shortly after onset of the illness and for period of time, to improve independence in standing, walking and everyday activities. Our neurological physiotherapists are experienced at treating people with muscular dystrophy and will tailor treatment to you needs for the best possible outcome. Benefits of physiotherapy treatment for muscular dystrophy at Manchester Physio include:

Maintaining muscle strength in order to delay muscle wastage Improving range of movement and flexibility Reducing pain and stiffness
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Improving posture Improving balance and coordination Maximising mobility Maximising independence with functional activities Improving quality of life

One of our specialist neurological physiotherapists at Manchester Physio, will carry out a detailed assessment to see how muscular dystrophy affects you. Physiotherapy treatment at Manchester Physio will help you keep as active as possible in a safe and effective way and maximise your true potential by developing progressive treatment goals tailored to you. At Manchester your rehabilitation program may include:

Stretching to reduce muscle tension and lengthen tight muscles Structured exercise programme to increase muscle strength and energy levels as well as independence with daily tasks Passive and active movement of joints to improve flexibility and help maintain muscle strength Postural advice to increase comfort when lying and sitting Balance training Advice on mechanical support such as wheelchairs walking aids and orthotic devices in order to maintain functional ability Hydrotherapy to stretch and strengthen muscles Breathing control and assisted coughing if appropriate to maintain a clear chest

At Manchester Physio, your rehabilitation program will depend on the severity of your condition and your current level of physical function. Your treatment goals will be monitored on a regular basis to ensure you are getting the most out of your treatment and continue with the activities you enjoy with confidence and success. Complementary and Alternative Therapies A comprehensive treatment plan for MD may include a range of complementary and alternative therapies. Nutrition and Supplements These nutritional tips may help reduce symptoms:

Try to eliminate potential food allergens, including dairy, wheat (gluten), corn, soy, preservatives, and food additives. Your health care provider may want to test for food sensitivities. Eat antioxidant foods, including fruits (such as blueberries, cherries, and tomatoes) and vegetables (such as kale, spinach, and bell pepper). Avoid refined foods such as white breads, pastas, and sugar. Eat fewer red meats and more lean meats, cold water fish, tofu (soy, if no allergy), or beans for protein. Use healthy oils in foods, such as olive oil or vegetable oil. Reduce or eliminate trans fatty acids, found in such commercially baked goods as cookies, crackers, cakes, French fries, onion rings, donuts, processed foods, and margarine. Avoid coffee and other stimulants, alcohol, and tobacco. Drink 6 - 8 glasses of filtered water daily. Exercise lightly, if possible, 5 days a week.

You may address nutritional deficiencies with the following supplements:

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Omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish oil, 1 - 2 capsules or 1 tablespoonful oil 1 - 2 times a day, to help decrease inflammation and improve immunity. Fish oils may increase bleeding in sensitive individuals, such as those taking blood thinning mediations (including aspirin). A multivitamin daily, containing the antioxidant vitamins A, C, E, the B-vitamins and trace minerals, such as magnesium, calcium, zinc, and selenium. Calcium and vitamin D supplement, 1 - 2 tablets daily, for support of muscle and skeletal weakness. Coenzyme Q10, 100 - 200 mg at bedtime, for antioxidant, immune, and muscular support. N-acetyl cysteine, 200 mg daily, for antioxidant effects. Acetyl-L-carnitine, 500 mg daily, for antioxidant and muscle protective activity. Amino acids, including glutamine and arginine for muscle protection. Probiotic supplement (containing Lactobacillus acidophilus), 5 - 10 billion CFUs (colony forming units) a day, for maintenance of gastrointestinal and immune health. Some probiotic supplements may need refrigeration. Check the label carefully. Creatine, 5 - 7 grams daily, when needed for muscle weakness and wasting. Certain kidney drugs may interact with creatine. Speak to your doctor to make sure your kidneys are healthy enough to handle that amount of creatine. Your doctor may want to periodically monitor kidney function. L-theanine, 200 mg 1 - 3 times daily, for nervous system support.

Herbs Herbs are generally a safe way to strengthen and tone the body's systems. As with any therapy, you should consult with your health care provider before starting any treatment. You may use herbs as dried extracts (capsules, powders, teas), glycerites (glycerine extracts), or tinctures (alcohol extracts). Unless otherwise indicated, make teas with 1 tsp. herb per cup of hot water. Steep covered 5 - 10 minutes for leaf or flowers, and 10 - 20 minutes for roots. Drink 2 - 4 cups per day. You may use tinctures alone or in combination as noted.

Green tea (Camellia sinensis) standardized extract, 250 - 500 mg daily, for antioxidant and immune effects. Use caffeine free products. You may also prepare teas from the leaf of this herb. Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea) standardized extract, 100 - 600 mg daily, for antioxidant, antistress, and immune activity.

Homeopathy Few studies have examined the effectiveness of specific homeopathic remedies. A professional homeopath, however, may recommend one or more of the following treatments for muscular dystrophy based on his or her knowledge and clinical experience. Before prescribing a remedy, homeopaths take into account a person's constitutional type -- your physical, emotional, and intellectual makeup. An experienced homeopath assesses all of these factors when determining the most appropriate remedy for a particular individual.

Arnica -- for relief from muscle pain or spasm Calcarea carbonica -- for cramps of the lower extremities, particularly in those who are overweight and easily chilled Magnesia phos -- for muscle pain and spasm with cramps and severe, shooting pain

Massage Regular massage is important for reducing spasm and muscle contractions.

Read more: http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/muscular-dystrophy-000113.htm#ixzz1nqEEpCKJ

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