Achieve Sustainable Treatment Outcome With Muscular Dystrophy Exercises & Combination Therapy Approach

Do you know that muscular dystrophy exercises can make a big difference when done right?

While movement may feel challenging for your child, the right set of exercises can help them improve flexibility, preserve strength, and support daily function. These exercises aren’t meant to cure your child’s condition, but they play a key role in improving their overall growth and well-being.

Especially when these exercises are combined with doctor-guided treatment approaches, you get the benefits of targeted exercises with expert medical guidance for more effective and lasting results.

Let’s learn about these exercises and also our combination therapy approach.

What is Muscular Dystrophy?

Muscular dystrophies, a group of muscle diseases caused by genetic mutations, can gradually take away a person’s mobility and make it difficult to perform everyday tasks. Muscular dystrophy occurs when mutated genes disrupt the creation of necessary proteins that build strong muscle tissue.

Muscles gradually shrink and weaken, which impairs walking and everyday activities such as tooth brushing. Additionally, the condition can have an impact on the heart and lungs.

There are different types of muscular dystrophy that affect specific muscle groups, with varying symptoms and severity. While certain types of muscular dystrophy are noticeable from birth or during childhood, others manifest in adulthood.

For more information on types, symptoms, process, and treatment options related to muscular dystrophy, read here…

How Can Exercise Benefit Those Living with Muscular Dystrophy?

Here’s how exercise benefits those who are living with muscular dystrophy: 

• Regular exercise is crucial for individuals with muscular dystrophy, as it improves strength, mobility, flexibility, and overall quality of life.
• Exercise helps maintain muscle mass, prevents contractures, and reduces swelling, inflammation, and pain associated with weak muscles.
• Improved balance and coordination from exercise can enhance mobility and reduce the risk of falls.
• Multiple studies confirm that exercise is a safe and effective treatment option for muscular dystrophy, promoting muscle growth, strength, and physical capability.
• Exercising regularly enhances strength, endurance, function, and quality of life while reducing occurrences of anxiety, depression, and pain and boosting mental health and energy levels.

Types of Muscular Dystrophy Exercises to Strengthen Muscles and Increase Range of Motion

The types of exercises recommended for people with muscular dystrophy, including children, depend on a person’s condition, age, and physical capacity. Overall, the goal is to help improve flexibility, maintain strength, and support joint mobility.

Stretching: 

If your child is experiencing inflexibility, balance issues, back discomfort, or reduced range of motion, gentle daily stretching can be highly beneficial. Around 10 minutes a day is often effective, and stretching can be done at any time, though it’s ideal when muscles are warm, such as after a bath or light activity.

There are various types of stretching, but for simplicity and safety, two key forms are recommended:

Stretching regularly helps preserve the range of motion, which is essential for daily activities like dressing or reaching.

Strength-Focused Movement (with Caution)

While strength training for children with muscular dystrophy needs to be approached carefully, light and controlled movements can help preserve muscle function. Instead of using heavy weights, children can:

• Use resistance bands under supervision
  
• Practice bodyweight exercises like seated pushups, wall slides, or modified squats
  
• Engage in functional play-based movements (e.g., climbing stairs with support, crawling, reaching tasks)

Avoid high-resistance training or heavy weights. Instead, focus on activities that support daily function, balance, and coordination. Overexertion can cause muscle damage in children with MD, so always follow a therapist’s plan and encourage rest breaks.

Cardiovascular Activity

Gentle cardiovascular activities help maintain endurance and prevent contractures. Recommended options for children include:

• Swimming (a safe, low-impact activity)
  
• Tricycle or adaptive cycling
  
• Walking with support
  
• Dancing or light movement games

These activities should be kept fun, engaging, and flexible based on energy levels.

Range of Motion (ROM) Exercises

Range of motion exercises aim to preserve joint flexibility and prevent stiffness. These can be:

• Passive ROM: Done by a caregiver or therapist moving the child’s limbs
  
• Active ROM: Done by the child independently or with some assistance

Regular ROM exercises are particularly helpful in preventing joint contractures in children with limited mobility.

Yoga, Pilates, and Tai Chi (Gentle Versions)

Gentle forms of yoga and Pilates, especially those designed for children with neuromuscular conditions, can improve muscle tone, posture, and flexibility.

Neuromuscular therapists and certified instructors have developed safe, guided videos tailored for people with muscle-wasting conditions. You can check them to help your child do them effectively.

Children can start with beginner poses and hold each pose for 10–30 seconds while taking slow, controlled breaths. You should make sure that all movements are pain-free and support them as needed.

Do you want to know more about exercises that can help your child improve their flexibility and function?

What is the Recommended Frequency and Duration for Stretching Sessions?

Regularly doing stretches is more effective.

• You can include stretching in your daily routine, such as stretching your calf muscles while brushing your teeth.
• Make sure to hold each stretch for 30-40 seconds and avoid bouncing.
• Keep the stretch slow and sustained.

It is important to speak with your doctor or physical therapist about the best types of exercise for your individual needs.

Tips for Safely and Effectively Exercising for Those Living with Muscular Dystrophy?

Doing the exercises safely and effectively should be your top priority. Here’s how you can do that:

1. Start slowly and work up gradually.

Exercise should not be an endurance event; it should be done gradually to allow the muscles time to adjust.

2. Find a safe environment and use appropriate equipment.

Always check with your physical therapist or doctor before starting any exercise program, especially if you have another medical condition in addition to muscular dystrophy. 

3. Stay hydrated and take breaks throughout the workout. 

Dehydration can lead to fatigue, so it is important to keep your body hydrated while exercising. Also, be sure to rest in between sets of exercises as too much exercise without proper rest can cause more harm than benefit.

4. Maintain correct posture and form.

Proper form can help prevent injury and will also allow you to get the most out of your exercises.

5. Focus on a full-body workout, not just one area or muscle group.

Exercises that work multiple muscle groups are great for helping with overall strength, balance, and coordination.

Following these tips and maintaining a regular exercise routine can help improve your overall muscle strength, flexibility, balance, coordination, and range of motion. With the right support system and dedication to your health, you can enjoy an active lifestyle with muscular dystrophy!

Nutritional Consideration for Muscular Dystrophy

In addition to incorporating physical activity into your regular routine, it is equally important to maintain a healthy diet and nutrition regimen. Having a balanced diet with the right combination of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats can help to increase muscle strength and prevent further damage or degradation.

It is important to talk with your doctor or nutritionist to determine the best nutritional plan for you. Some tips to consider when creating a nutritional plan are: 

1. Eat a variety of healthy, whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, and lean meats.
2. Avoid processed foods, added sugars, and high-fat snacks.
3. Increase your intake of complex carbohydrates such as whole grains and legumes.
4. Make sure you are drinking enough water throughout the day to stay hydrated.
5. Choose healthy fats such as avocados, olive oil, and nuts.
6. Take a multivitamin daily to ensure you are providing your body with all the necessary vitamins and minerals.

Following a healthy diet and exercise plan can help those with muscular dystrophy to maintain muscle and improve mobility.

How does our Combination Therapy and Exercise help Children with MD?

Most children with muscular dystrophy struggle with weak muscles, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Only doing exercise may not give you the desired results, but a well-planned, supportive care routine can slow down progression and improve daily function.

MedicoExperts’ combination therapy brings together medical support, physiotherapy, and yoga-based movement practices personalized to your child’s needs. This approach helps improve flexibility, balance, and coordination while supporting long-term muscle health.

By combining the science of modern medicine with the benefits of structured movement, we aim for lasting results that make everyday life a little easier for both the child and the family.

Want to know more about our combination therapy?

Takeaway

Managing muscular dystrophy is not just about treatment, but it’s about improving your child’s everyday life and function in every possible way. MedicoExperts’ combination therapy, along with tailored yoga routines, focuses on delivering sustainable results by supporting your child’s mobility, strength, and overall well-being.

When care is personalized, outcomes improve. Let’s work together to give your child the best chance to move with more ease, confidence, and independence.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

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Medically Reviewed by MedicoExperts Editorial & Clinical Review Board on 25 September 2025

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