Range of Motion, Exercise, and Stretching
- There are many factors in Duchenne that contribute to the tendency for joints to get tight or “contracted,” including: muscles becoming less elastic due to limited use and muscles around a joint getting out of balance (one stronger than another)
- Maintaining good range of movement and symmetry at different joints helps to maintain the best possible function, prevents the development of contractures, and prevents pressure problems with the skin
- Aerobic exercise or activity is recommended; swimming is a great example of safe exercise. Some exercise (such as bouncing on a trampoline or bouncy castle) may be harmful to muscles. Therefore, all exercise should be monitored and guided by your physiotherapist
- Stretching will be monitored by the physiotherapist but needs to become part of your daily routine
- The goal of stretching and bracing, from diagnosis onwards, is to preserve function and maintain comfort
