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What is myopathy?
Myopathy or ‘muscle disease’ is a neuromuscular disorder caused by damage to muscle fibres which results in muscle weakness and impaired function. Other symptoms of myopathy may include muscle cramps, stiffness, and spasm. Myopathies can be inherited or acquired. Most inherited myopathies are chronic slowly progressive conditions. Certain drugs can produce toxic myopathy, as can alcohol, steroids and drug abuse.
Physiotherapy treatment will improve muscle strength, relax stiff muscles and make everyday activities easier to achieve.
Above: Practicing functional exercises to gain greater independance in daily life.Types of myopathy
There are many different types of myopathy which include:
- Inherited myopathies
- Muscular dystrophies
- Endocrine myopathies
- Inflammatory myopathies
- Toxic myopathies
What are the effects / symptoms of myopathy ?
Typical symptoms of myopathy include the following:
- Muscle weakness
- Fatigue
- Aching
- Cramps
- Pain
- Stiffness
- Tenderness
- Difficulty with walking and climbing the stairs
Physiotherapy for myopathy
Physiotherapy treatment at Physio.co.uk will relieve symptoms and slow the physical progression of myopathy.
At Physio.co.uk we understand that myopathy will cause significant changes which will impact on your life.
Our motivated physiotherapists at Physio.co.uk understand that everyone reacts differently, but there are some common symptoms that the physiotherapists can help with. These include:
- Muscle Weakness – Physiotherapy treatment will involve muscle strength training to keep muscles strong for as long as possible, facilitating everyday activities such as walking.
- Pain – Physiotherapy will help reduce pain by teaching you new ways of moving and improving your posture. We also offer hydrotherapy treatment which relaxes, strengthens muscle and increases circulation. Hydrotherapy also reduces pain and enables a person with myopathy to maximise their mobility within the water.
- Stiffness – muscles in your hips, thighs and shoulders may become stiff. Stretching will prevent stiffness and the development of soft tissue contractures. Stretching will also ease muscle spasm and soreness.
- Difficulty with everyday tasks – a structured exercise programme will be developed specific to your needs. Exercises will be functional and will incorporate balance, coordination, flexibility and endurance in order to increase stamina. Your muscles will gradually become more effective and efficient helping you with everyday tasks and increasing your confidence. Our specialised physiotherapists will also provide equipment for mobility if required ie. walking aids, orthoses, callipers and wheelchairs.
- Strengthening
- Stretching
- Gait re-education
- Balance work
- Teaching transfers
- Breathing control
- Hydrotherapy
