Neurological physiotherapy for myopathy
The neurological physiotherapists at Liverpool Neuro Physio commonly treat myopathy. Myopathy is a neuromuscular disorder resulting in muscle weakness.
What is myopathy?
A myopathy is a neuromuscular disorder. The main characteristic of a neuromuscular disorder is muscle weakness. The muscle weakness is cause by dysfunction of muscle fibres. Myopathies can be inherited or acquired. There are several groups of myopathies. Myopathies are usually slow progressive diseases.
Physiotherapy is beneficial for anyone who suffers from myopathy. Physiotherapy will help to improve muscle weakness.
Groups of myopathies
There are several types of myopathies they include:
- Congenital myopathy
- Muscular dystrophies
- Mitochondrial myopathy
- Myoglobinuria
- Dermatomyositis
- Myositis ossificans
- Familial periodic paralysis
- Polymyositis
- Neuromyotonia
- Stiff man syndrome
- Common muscle cramp
- Tetany
Effects of having a myopathy
There are various types of myopathies and the symptoms will differ from one to the other. Every individual will have different presenting symptoms but some of the common ones are stated below:
Muscle weakness
this is the main symptom of a myopathy is muscle weakness. This is because the nerves are damaged that supply the muscles.
Pain/aching/altered sensation
you may experience pain and other symptoms related to sensation because the nerves aren�t working correctly.
Stiffness
Joint stiffness may occur because muscle weakness will stop you from using your muscles. Your muscles not moving will result in tight joints and even contractures.
Tightness
The weakness in your muscles may stop you using them so tightness may develop.
Physiotherapy for myopathy
Physiotherapy is extremely important for those who suffer from myopathy. One of the main characteristics is muscle weakness. These are symptoms that only physiotherapy treatment can help. At Liverpool Neuro Physio we will make a treatment plan specific to your needs. The physiotherapist understands how muscle weakness can result in your normal functioning being affected. It is important for you to continue with physiotherapy to help you get the best quality of life. Symptoms and presenting problems will be different for each individual. At Liverpool Neuro Physio we will make your treatment specific to your problems and goals. Some of your treatments may include:
- Increasing strength
- Increasing joint flexibility
- Improving transfers
- Gait re-education
- Reducing pain
- Reducing risk of falls
- Preventing contractures
- Maintaining range of movement
- Maintaining movement related to daily function
- Electrotherapy
- Hydrotherapy
- Exercise programmes
- Stretching techniques Provide adaptations or equipment
- Referrals to other healthcare professionals if needed
- Advice and guidance
It is very important for you to continue with physiotherapy treatment following a myopathy. Once you being treatment you must maintain it for the maximum benefits. Once you stop having physiotherapy it may result in loss of movement that will be hard to get back. At Liverpool Neuro Physio our physiotherapists have the adequate skills necessary for you to continue with your treatment to ensure you gain maximum benefits of physiotherapy. Your physiotherapist will understand the problems you have with any secondary complications you may be suffering and will set goals to reduce and secondary symptoms as well as working on your primary mobility problems.
Your physiotherapist can use specialist modalities specific to your symptoms to help alleviate them. Things such as using electrotherapy to try and reduce pain. All of the modalities have scientific research to prove they are effective in treating the symptoms being treated by your physiotherapist. Your physiotherapist will continue with techniques that no other healthcare professional can carry out.
Your physiotherapist will understand that you may have a need to be as mobile and independent as possible. It is in your physiotherapist�s best interest is to improve your quality of life and see improvements in your abilities. Your physiotherapist at Liverpool Neuro Physio may give you specific exercise or stretching programmes that will help maintain your joint flexibility, maintain muscle strength and maintain your independence.
Your physiotherapist will set specific goals to help you reach your targets of mobility even if it includes walking. If it is a realistic goal they will work toward helping you achieve just that. Treatment may begin by improving your core strength but then it may progress onto more advanced things such as walking with assistance to walking with walking aids and so on. This will help you to be less reliant on others and you will learn to cope alone.
Your physiotherapist may also work on your transfers to help improve your independence. Your physiotherapist will work with you to teach you ways of transferring to maximise your safety but make you more independent to do things yourself.
If necessary your physiotherapist may teach your exercise programmes along with manual handling techniques to your family/carer so you can continue with physiotherapy between sessions. This is because your physiotherapist wants you to get the most benefits of your treatment.
To arrange an appointment or to speak to one of our specialists, call us on 0151 558 0188 or email office@liverpoolneurophysio.co.uk.