Physiotherapists can now access a new guideline to help them manage the complex needs of adults living with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD).
The new guideline, which is aimed at physios and other therapists, outlines the multidisciplinary therapy care that adults with DMD require, and aims to support clinicians in managing these complex care needs.
Therapists Working with Adults with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) was developed by a therapist working group at the Adult NorthStar Network, which aims to advance the care of adults with DMD living in the UK.
Suni Narayan, a physiotherapist and a neuromuscular care advisor, led the therapist working group that developed the guideline.
He said: ‘The survival of people with DMD has significantly increased over recent years owing to improvements in standards of care.
‘As a result, we are seeing an increasing number of adults with DMD presenting with severe, chronic and multisystem care needs.
This requires continuing support from not only neuromuscular specialist physiotherapists, but also respiratory physios and rehabilitation or community physios, due to the progressive nature of the condition.
He added that community or rehabilitation physiotherapists also play a key role in monitoring, assessing and offering treatments and support for adults with DMD.
And the support physios provide, in collaboration with occupational therapists, wheelchair therapists and orthotists, covers several key areas including musculoskeletal management, orthoses, posture, seating and exercise for health and wellbeing.
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