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Discuss psychotherapy intervention for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

By definition, muscular dystrophy depicts a collection of muscle disorders that are genetically determined and maintain a progressive hereditarily degenerative course. Further categorization of the muscular dystrophies exists on the basis of clinical presentation. Muscular dystrophy affects boys. Interventions, on the other hand, refer to the activities and actions that can assist the family to meet their goals. The muscular dystrophies have been defined as a group of genetic disorders with progressive muscle wasting and weakness where the disease primarily involves muscle in which there are characteristic microscopic changes. Discussed herein, is an overview of some of the occupational therapy interventions that can assist people affected by Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Boys diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy develop spinal problems rather immediately once they stop walking. Consequently, these boys require good postural management interventions to slow down the degree of spinal curvature (Tecklin, 2008). Postural management develops an approach to the handling, positioning and treatment of children along with adults with muscular dystrophy that will reduce the risk of contractures and the development of postural deformities. Within this context, passive and active movements of limbs will also slow down the development of contractures. As a result, good positioning allows the victim to perform everyday activities with more ease and without embracing abnormal postures.

Pain and fatigue management exists as another intervention occasionally used by occupational therapists to help in the management of pain. This usually entails the provision of pressure relief equipment, such as the following: mattress; pressure pads for commodes, shower chairs with baths; wheelchair seating; padded and sheepskin slings. In addition, energy-conservation methods can be used, according to Stone (2007), to reduce pain by planning and pacing activities.

References

Stone, K. (2007). Occupational therapy and Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Chichester, England: John Wiley & Sons.

Tecklin, J. S. (2008). Pediatric physical therapy. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.