Videos

Management of muscle extensibility and joint contractures is a key part of rehabilitation management.

The goal of stretching is to preserve function and maintain comfort. The program of stretching will be monitored by the physical therapist but needs to become part of the family’s daily routine.

The following video was produced by Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy, and is linked here with their permission.

A regular stretching regime to keep muscles and tendons supple should be part of a young man's daily routine in order to help prevent the development of contractures. Contractures are a tightening of the muscle and tendons, which limit the full range of movement in a joint. They are inevitable if a regular stretching program is not part of a boy's daily regime. This tightness occurs because not all muscles lose strength at the same time or pace, and boys with Duchenne develop irregular postures to compensate for this uneven weakness.