What is Becker Muscular Dystrophy?
This muscular dystrophy is caused by a deficiency of dystrophin, a protein that helps strengthen muscle fibres and protect them from injury. It appears primarily in males between ages 11 and 25.
Common Becker Muscular Dystrophy symptoms
- Weakness begins in the upper legs and pelvis
- Increase in falling over
- Difficulty rising from a lying or sitting position – it is usual to see boys with BMD walk their hands up their legs to get into standing,
- They can appear to waddle when walking because of weakness
- Difficulty running and jumping and climbing stairs
- Have calf muscles that appear large because of fat accumulation
What physiotherapy input can do for you
- Delay the progression of weakness
- Maintain your range of movement
- Specialist home exercise and stretching programme
- Assessment of posture in Beds, Chairs and Wheelchairs
- Supported standing work where suitable
- Maintain your cardiovascular fitness as long as possible
- Provide support to help you engage in activities around the community eg rock climbing, attending the gym etc.
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