• About Us
    • Our Practice
    • Our Locations
    • Our Team
    • Join Our Team
  • Pediatric Conditions
    • Autism Spectrum Disorder
    • Blindness & Visual Impairment
    • Cerebral Palsy
    • Coordination Deficits
    • Cri du Chat Syndrome
    • Developmental Delay
    • Down Syndrome
    • Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
    • Early Intervention
    • Fragile-X
    • Gross Motor Delays
    • Marfan Syndrome
    • Motor & Behavior Issues
    • Neurofibromatosis
    • Osteogenesis Imperfecta
    • Pediatric Stroke
    • Prader-Willi
    • Rett Syndrome
    • Sensory Processing Disorder
    • Strength & Balance Deficits
    • Sotos Syndrome
    • Spina Bifida
    • Spinal Muscular Atrophy
    • Torticollis
    • Tourette’s
    • Triple X
    • Turner Syndrome
    • Vacterl Syndrome
    • Williams Syndrome
  • Orthopedic Conditions
    • Sciatica & Back Pain
    • Neck Pain
    • Headaches
    • Shoulder Pain
    • Hip and Knee Pain
    • Elbow Wrist & Hand Pain
    • Foot and Ankle Pain
    • Balance & Gait Disorders
    • Dizziness & Vertigo
    • Arthritis
    • Blindness
    • Chronic Pain
    • Facial Paralysis & Bell’s Palsy
    • Concussion
    • Lymphedema
    • Motor Vehicle Accident Injuries
    • Myofascial Pain
    • Neurological Disorders
    • Pelvic Floor Muscular Dysfunction
    • Pre-Surgical Rehab
    • Post-Surgical Rehab
    • Scoliosis
    • Sports Injuries
    • TMJ Dysfunction
    • Work Injuries
    • View More Conditions
  • Services
    • Electrical Stimulation Therapy
    • Ergonomic Training
    • IASTM
    • Kinesio Taping
    • Lymphatic Therapy
    • Manual Therapy
    • Pediatric Orthotics
    • Pediatric Therapy
    • Pelvic Floor Therapy
    • Reflex Integration Therapy
    • Schroth Therapy
    • Therapeutic Exercise
    • Trigger Point Therapy
    • Ultrasound Therapy
    • Vestibular Therapy
    • Vision Rehabilitation
    • Physical Therapy
    • Amputee Rehab
    • Behavior Therapy
    • Concussion Therapy
    • Cupping Therapy
  • FAQs
  • Schroth NJ
  • Patient Center
    • Patient Portal
    • Patient Info/Forms
    • Insurance Info
    • Testimonials
    • Refer a Friend
    • FAQ’s
  • Pay Now
    • Please Select an option below for us to best direct your call

    • New Patient / Inquiries
    • Current Patient
    • Other
  • Call Us (732) 535-7323
  • Teletherapy
  • Leave us a Review!
    • Review Us on Google (Edison)
    • Review Us on Google (Paramus)
    • Don't Have a Google Account? Review Us Here! (Edison)
    • Don't Have a Google Account? Review Us Here! (Paramus)
    • Read our Reviews
  • Blog
  • Contact Us
Home » Health Blog » Muscular Dystrophy and Why Physical Therapy is So Important

Muscular Dystrophy and Why Physical Therapy is So Important

Mar2nd 2025

As one of the most frequently inherited disorders worldwide, muscular dystrophy affects boys almost exclusively. Approximately 1 in 3,500 to 6,000 males born in the United States has Duchenne muscular dystrophy, the most common form of muscular dystrophy in children. Although there are several types of muscular dystrophy, they all involve muscle weakness and a loss of muscle mass. The arms and legs are often impacted first and other muscle groups follow later. Some children with severe forms of the disorder never gain the ability to walk; others lose the ability to do so over time. Although no cure exists, some treatments can help lengthen the time of muscle functioning. As the muscles progressively weaker due to the condition, physical therapy can greatly improve a child’s abilities and quality of life.

Muscular Dystrophy

Muscular dystrophy is caused by genetic mutations, either inherited or spontaneous, that affect muscle development. Early signs often appear between ages three and five, including frequent falls, toe-walking, a waddling gait, and difficulty standing up without using hands for support. These symptoms stem from muscle weakness, which begins in the hips and upper legs and progressively spreads to other muscle groups.

At Jeevam Therapy, we understand how overwhelming it can be for parents to navigate these challenges. Our experienced pediatric physical therapist, Dr. Eva Mohanty, is dedicated to providing early intervention and ongoing support tailored to each child’s unique needs. As the effects of the disorder become more pronounced, the need for physical therapy shifts. At all stages, however, physical therapy plays an important role.

Why Physical Therapy is Essential

Physical therapy is a cornerstone of muscular dystrophy management. The primary goals are to:

  • Maintain muscle function.
  • Prevent joint contractures.
  • Promote overall flexibility and strength.

Our experienced pediatric physical therapist at Jeevam Therapy focuses on personalized care plans that include:

  • Stretching and Strengthening Exercises: Customized routines help preserve muscle function and delay atrophy while ensuring the child remains active and engaged.
  • Adaptive Equipment Guidance: Dr. Mohanty assists families in selecting and adjusting mobility aids such as wheelchairs, walkers, and canes, helping children maintain independence and safety.
  • Developmental Milestones: Physical therapy supports critical skills like crawling, climbing, and jumping, empowering children to achieve developmental milestones despite physical challenges.

Why Choose Jeevam Therapy?

With a specialized focus on pediatric conditions like muscular dystrophy, Dr. Eva Mohanty combines clinical expertise with a compassionate, child-centered approach. Her dedication ensures every child achieves the best possible quality of life.

Beyond therapy sessions, our physical therapist is an advocate for her patients and their families. If your child has been diagnosed with muscular dystrophy, don’t navigate this journey alone. Contact Jeevam Therapy today to learn how we can help your child build strength, confidence, and resilience for a brighter future.

  • Quick Links

    • Patient Info / forms
    • Our Locations
    • FAQs
    • View more Conditions
    • Call Now
    • COVID-19 Update
  • Are You Ready To Live Better?

    Contact Us
  • Latest Health Posts

    Do you sit at a desk most of the day? Here’s how to stay active during the 9-5!

    Read More

    SUBSCRIBE TO OUR HEALTH BLOG

Jeevam means “source of life”, and we want everyone to be Healthy and Happy.

CONTACT US

Metuchen, NJ

"Home visits at no extra cost."
312 Amboy Ave. Metuchen, NJ 08840

Phone: FOR PATIENTS ONLY (732) 535-7323

Fax: (732) 393-9886

Email: For patients: contact@jeevamtherapy.com For all other inquiries email: Jeevamtherapy@gmail.com

Hours:

Monday: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Tuesday: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm

Thursday: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm

Friday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Saturday: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

By Appointment Only

Paramus, NJ

22 Madison Ave Ste. #101
Paramus, NJ 07653

Phone: ONLY FOR PATIENTS (732) 535-7323

Fax: (732) 393-9886

Email: For patients: contact@jeevamtherapy.com For all other inquiries email: Jeevamtherapy@gmail.com

Hours:

This Location is open. 

Wednesday: By Appointment Only

12:00PM-6:00PM

 

© Jeevam Therapy 2025 | Sitemap | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use