Muscular Dystrophy and Joint Contractures

Blog #2 - Week 4

This week I started to think of other symptoms experienced by those with muscular dystrophy besides the obvious muscle weakness. The first thing that came to mind was contractures from a lack of movement. A good stretching routine should be part of everyone’s treatment plan, but I noticed during my clinical experience, most patients relied solely on the therapist for increasing range of motion. This led me to wonder if a type of machine existed, that could help to motivate patients to increase their stretching routine- outside of scheduled therapy.

According to Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield:

 “Physical Therapy procedures and special mechanical stretching devices also referred to as dynamic splinting devices have been developed to increase range of motion without damaging the affected joint or its related muscles, tendons, and connective tissue. Several types of dynamic splinting devices are available:

• Dynamic (low-load prolonged stretch devices permit resisted active and passive motion within a restricted range).
• Bi-directional (static progressive stretch devices maintain the joint in a set position, but permit manual modification of the joint and
  may allow for active motion without resistance).
• Patient-actuated (serial stretch devices allow resisted active and passive motion within a limited range).

The use of dynamic splinting devices are proven for improvement of range of motion after surgery or injury when physical therapy alone has not been effective. The use is limited to joints of the knee, elbow, toe, finger, and wrist.”

As mentioned above, several options are available today that could help reduce contractures experienced by patients. The following website goes into further detail regarding research and the type of equipment available.

Studies are ongoing and the findings are investigational for a variety of diseases and conditions, including muscular dystrophy.

Image courtesy of: jointactivesystems.com
Posted and written by Josh W.