What is muscular dystrophy?

Muscular dystrophy is an umbrella term for a group of inherited muscle conditions that cause muscles to weaken and waste over time. There are many different types of muscular dystrophy, and symptoms can begin in early childhood or later in life depending on the subtype.

Common features of muscular dystrophy can include:

• progressive muscle weakness

• difficulty walking

• falling easily

• difficulty lifting or carrying things

• joint tightness or contractures

• reduced endurance and fatigue

• changes in posture or movement patterns.

Some types of muscular dystrophy may also affect breathing, swallowing, the heart, or other body systems, depending on the condition.

How muscular dystrophy may affect daily function

Muscular dystrophy affects each person differently, but it may impact:

• walking and mobility

• balance and falls risk

• strength and physical endurance

• transfers and everyday movement

• hand use and fine motor tasks

• self-care and daily routines

• participation at home, school, work or in the community

• swallowing or breathing in some cases.

Because muscular dystrophy is often progressive, allied health support may need to change over time as the person’s function, equipment needs, fatigue or daily routines change. That is an inference based on the progressive nature of many muscular dystrophies and the way they can affect movement and function over time.

How Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health may help

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy may support children and adults with muscular dystrophy where there are goals related to mobility, balance, transfers, posture, endurance, gross motor skills or physical participation. Depending on the person’s needs, physiotherapy may include:

• walking and mobility support

• balance and falls prevention strategies

• transfer practice and functional movement training

• stretching and movement planning

• posture and positioning support

• fatigue-aware physical activity planning

• mobility aid input where clinically appropriate
  
  

Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy may help when muscular dystrophy is affecting daily living, hand use, self-care, routines, fatigue management, home safety, equipment needs or independence. OT may include:

• self-care and daily routine strategies

• fine motor and hand function support

• fatigue management and pacing

• environmental adaptations

• equipment or assistive technology suggestions where appropriate
  
  

Speech Pathology

Speech pathology is not automatically required for everyone with muscular dystrophy, but it may be relevant where a person has associated speech, communication, feeding or swallowing concerns. Some muscular dystrophy types and related muscle-wasting conditions can affect swallowing, and swallowing difficulties may increase the risk of coughing, choking, poor nutrition or chest infections.

Exercise Physiology

Exercise physiology may be appropriate for some children, adolescents or adults with muscular dystrophy who need support with strength, conditioning, physical activity participation or endurance, where exercise is appropriate within the broader medical context. Programs should always be tailored carefully to the person’s function, fatigue, balance and overall safety needs.

Our approach

At Palms, we take a function-focused, goal-directed approach. That means we look at how muscular dystrophy is affecting the person in everyday life and what practical support may help most at that point in time. Therapy may focus on:

supporting walking and mobility

helping maintain physical function

improving safety and confidence with movement

supporting everyday routines and self-care

adapting activities as needs change

supporting participation at home, school, work or in the community

We also recognise that support often works best when it is coordinated with the person’s family, carers, GP, specialist team and broader supports where appropriate.

FAQ

What is muscular dystrophy?

Muscular dystrophy is a group of inherited muscle conditions that cause progressive muscle weakness and muscle wasting over time.

Is muscular dystrophy genetic?

Yes. Muscular dystrophy is generally caused by genetic changes, and many forms are inherited through families.

Is muscular dystrophy progressive?

Many forms of muscular dystrophy are progressive, which means muscle weakness tends to get worse over time, although the speed and pattern can vary by subtype.

Can physiotherapy help with muscular dystrophy?

Physiotherapy may help support mobility, balance, posture, walking, transfers and physical participation for people living with muscular dystrophy. Support should be tailored to the person’s needs and goals.

Can occupational therapy help with muscular dystrophy?

Yes. Occupational therapy may assist with daily living, hand use, routines, fatigue management, equipment and independence in everyday activities.

Can muscular dystrophy affect swallowing or breathing?

It can. Some muscle-wasting conditions affect the muscles used for breathing and coughing, and some types can also affect swallowing.

Does everyone with muscular dystrophy need speech pathology?

Not always. Speech pathology may only be relevant if the person has communication, feeding or swallowing concerns.

Can adults with muscular dystrophy access allied health support?

Yes. Adults with muscular dystrophy may benefit from allied health support related to mobility, balance, daily function, endurance, equipment and participation.

Can allied health treat muscular dystrophy itself?

No. Muscular dystrophy requires medical diagnosis and specialist management. Allied health does not treat the underlying genetic condition itself, but may support function, safety and day-to-day quality of life.

When should someone with muscular dystrophy see allied health?

Allied health may be worth considering when muscular dystrophy is affecting mobility, balance, daily living, fatigue, swallowing, breathing-related function, school or work participation, or independence.

If you or your family member is living with muscular dystrophy and would like support with mobility, balance, daily function, fatigue, swallowing or participation, our team can discuss whether physiotherapy or allied health input may be appropriate for your needs. 

External Resources for Muscular Dystrophy in Australia

Muscular Dystrophy Australia
https://www.mda.org.au
Provides resources, support, and information for individuals and families affected by Muscular Dystrophy.

Duchenne Foundation
https://duchennefoundation.com.au
A nonprofit organization focused on raising awareness and supporting research for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

Better Health Channel – Muscular Dystrophy
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au
A comprehensive overview of Muscular Dystrophy, including symptoms, diagnosis, and management strategies.

National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
https://www.ndis.gov.au
Provides support for Australians with disabilities, including those living with Muscular Dystrophy.

The Australian Physiotherapy Association – Muscular Dystrophy Resources
https://australian.physio
Resources and insights for physiotherapists working with individuals affected by Muscular Dystrophy.

Important disclaimer: This webpage contains general information only and is not intended to be relied upon as personal clinical advice. While we aim to keep information accurate and up to date, it may not reflect the most current research or your individual circumstances. Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health does not accept liability for decisions made based on this information without an individualised assessment by an appropriately qualified health professional. If you have concerns, please contact us to book an assessment or speak with your GP/medical team.