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Rehabilitation in Neuromuscular Diseases

Multidisciplinary rehabilitation approach for inherited and acquired neuromuscular disorders to maintain function and quality of life.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Fizik Tedavi ve Rehabilitasyon department. Book Appointment →

What is Rehabilitation in Neuromuscular Diseases?

Neuromuscular diseases include inherited disorders (Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy, spinal muscular atrophy, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, myotonic dystrophy, congenital myopathies) and acquired conditions (Guillain-Barré syndrome, chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, myasthenia gravis, inflammatory myopathies).

Rehabilitation aims are to preserve muscle strength and joint range of motion, prevent contractures and skeletal deformity, optimise mobility and self-care, support respiratory and cardiac function, manage pain, fatigue and dysphagia, and maintain participation and quality of life.

Programmes include submaximal aerobic and strength training (avoiding eccentric overload in dystrophinopathies), gentle stretching, orthoses, assistive devices, manual and powered wheelchairs, postural management and adaptive seating.

Specialist input from neurology, pulmonology (lung volume recruitment, non-invasive ventilation, cough assist), cardiology (cardiomyopathy surveillance), gastroenterology and nutrition (dysphagia, gastrostomy), speech therapy, orthotics, psychology and palliative care is integrated.

Disease-modifying treatments (corticosteroids, exon-skipping antisense oligonucleotides, gene therapy and SMA disease-modifying drugs such as nusinersen, onasemnogene abeparvovec and risdiplam) have changed prognosis but do not replace rehabilitation; lifelong follow-up in a specialised centre is recommended.

Symptoms

Progressive muscle weakness and easy fatigability
Loss of independent walking and need for assistive devices
Joint contractures and scoliosis
Respiratory insufficiency, weak cough and frequent infections
Cardiac involvement (cardiomyopathy, arrhythmias)
Dysphagia, weight loss and aspiration
Speech and communication problems
Pain, sleep disturbance and reduced quality of life

Risk Factors

Family history of neuromuscular disease
Inadequate access to specialised multidisciplinary care
Late diagnosis and absence of disease-modifying therapy
Severe scoliosis without orthopaedic management
Untreated obstructive sleep apnoea or hypoventilation
Lack of vaccination and respiratory infection prevention

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Progressive muscle weakness or new functional decline
  • Frequent chest infections or breathlessness
  • Choking, recurrent aspiration or weight loss
  • New cardiac symptoms in known neuromuscular disease
  • Severe pain, falls or worsening contractures

Treatment Methods

01
Multidisciplinary care in specialised neuromuscular centre
02
Submaximal strength and aerobic exercise individualised to disease
03
Stretching, orthoses and surgical correction of contractures and scoliosis
04
Mobility aids and adaptive equipment
05
Lung volume recruitment, cough assist and non-invasive ventilation
06
Cardiac surveillance and treatment of cardiomyopathy
07
Nutritional support, dysphagia management and gastrostomy when needed
08
Vaccination and infection prevention
09
Disease-modifying treatments per current guidelines
10
Psychological support and palliative care integration

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Fizik Tedavi ve Rehabilitasyon department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Fizik Tedavi ve Rehabilitasyon Department

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.