What therapy is best for muscular dystrophy?

There is as such no cure for muscular dystrophy ( MD ), but different forms of treatment are available to help and manage this condition. Talking about the latest research, new ideas for muscular dystrophy treatments are currently being developed in some country. 

Exon skipping is one of them, some experiments and trials where are in progress in countries like Netherlands and UK to test that "exon skipping" may be a useful option in the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

The dystropin protein which is produced in the body is duplicated by some of the exons, which results in production of more dystrophin protein. As a result of that the cbrt of MD symptoms will be reduced. 

Looking to the current situation these trials are focused on treatment that would apply to Duchenne muscular dystrophy but it may also be applicable to Becker muscular dystrophy in the future.

Physical Therapy 

Small child fighting with a challenging disease called Muscular Dystrophy is very painful emotionally, but this doesn't mean that to keep your child from enjoying life. 

Physical therapy helps to decrease the symptoms and slows down the severity of disease up to a extent. So regular treatment of physical therapy can improve your child's muscles strength and make them feel better. Also you can try low impact aerobic exercises like swimming.

Also read- What is Physical therapy

Along with physical therapy there should also be occupational therapy, speech therapy, proper diet and nutrition which all together aids in the recovery of Muscular dystrophy. With the help of all above therapy you can slow down The progressive degeneration of muscles over a time in muscular dystrophy. The incidence of muscular dystrophy in United States is about 1 out of every 3500 to 5000 males.

Don't blame your parents for giving you this disease muscular dystrophy because in MD, one or both parents are careers of the genetic mutation without actually having the condition themselves. As a result, the diseases unknowingly passed to their offspring through recessive inheritance.

Stem cell research 

During the early stage of development there are stem cells which have the ability to turn into any type of cell in the body. In present time there are some researches which is currently focusing on whether these stem cells can be turned into muscle cells and also used to regenerate damaged muscle tissue. 

Newer Medicine 

Ataluren is a new medicine which can be given to children with aged 2 or below who can walk. Ataluren medicine comes as granules provided in sachets, the contents of each sachet are mixed into liquids or semi solid food and then swallowed.

Creatine supplements 

According to the latest research study has shown that creatine supplement can improve muscle strength in some patients with MD, also with some side effects. Before taking this supplement talk to your family doctor or physician because creatine is a substance normally found in the body that provide energy to the muscles and nerve cells. You can easily found this on health food store or pharmacy shop. 

Steroid medicine 

Corticosteroid medicine ( steroids) has been shown to improve condition in patient with Duchenne MD, as it improve muscle strength and function for 6 months to 2 years of child age. 

Awareness about Muscular Dystrophy 

Every year September month is recognized as Muscular Dystrophy awareness month, just to celebrate the resilience of individuals, support ongoing research efforts, serving as a dedicated time to raise awareness of individuals living with Muscular Dystrophy.

 This awareness will have a impact globally and its global reach well underscores the importance of collaborative efforts in research, treatment, and support, Uniting communities in the pursuit of improved outcomes for those affected by Muscular dystrophy condition. Spreading knowledge about this condition plays a important role in creating a supportive and informed environment for those navigating the complexities of Muscular dystrophy.

A note about Muscular dystrophy by my experience as a Physical Therapist 

With the help of Physical therapy you can easily slow down the progress rate of muscular dystrophy and also by adding life to your days. Don't expect our life to be long and boring, instead of that it should be short and sweet with full of roller coaster ride. Just enjoy this moment because nothing is permanent in this world in which we live. So enjoy every moment of life and live life king size.    

Also read- Physical therapy cost and Insurance coverage