Massage therapy · Kitchener–WaterlooMuscular Dystrophy
Foot
What It Is
Muscular dystrophy is a group of genetic diseases in which the muscles become progressively weaker and break down over time (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, 2026). Many people with muscular dystrophy will need to use mobility equipment, such as a wheelchair, as the muscle weakness gets worse, but how severe it is and how quickly it progresses depends on the type (NHS, 2025).
Multiple types of muscular dystrophy exist. Some types begin in early childhood, while others do not start until later in life (NHS, 2025). The most common type is Duchenne muscular dystrophy, which begins in early childhood, usually only affects boys, and progresses quickly (NHS, 2025). Some people with muscular dystrophy develop problems with swallowing and breathing (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, 2026). Muscles and tendons around the joints can shorten, so that the joints become fixed in one position; this is known as a contracture (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, 2026). Some types of the disease can also affect the heart, lungs and spine (NHS, 2025). Even though there isn’t a cure, treatment can help manage the symptoms, and some medicines can slow the progression of certain types (NHS, 2025).
Muscular Dystrophy Anatomy
Gowers' Sign
Gowers' sign is difficulty getting up from the floor, and it is often seen in young children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (Chabbi et al., 2026). In Duchenne muscular dystrophy, muscle weakness begins in the legs and pelvis (MedlinePlus, 2025). Because the muscles around the hips and thighs are weak, the child has difficulty getting up from the floor, so they learn to go onto their hands and feet and to "walk" the hands up the legs, using the arms to push the body upright.
Not a diagnosis — for more information, contact me or another trusted healthcare provider.
Treatment
Self-Care & Treatment
How to Treat Muscular Dystrophy
Treatments you may want to discuss with your family doctor, nurse practitioner or specialist team
Tips
- Muscular dystrophy can occur in both males and females of all ages, but Duchenne muscular dystrophy, the most common type, usually only affects boys (NHS, 2025).
- If someone in your family has muscular dystrophy and you're pregnant or planning a pregnancy, speak to your family doctor or nurse practitioner; they may refer you to a genetic counsellor to discuss the risks and options (NHS, 2025).
- Muscular dystrophy can affect how long you live, depending on your symptoms and how they affect you; problems with the breathing muscles and the heart are important reasons for this (NHS, 2025; National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, 2026).
- Muscular dystrophy is caused by an altered gene; different genes cause different types (NHS, 2025).
- No dietary supplements, specific foods or diets have been shown to slow the progression of muscular dystrophy, but eating well supports your overall health (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, 2026).
- Charities offer support and information to people with muscular dystrophy and their families (NHS, 2025). In Canada, Muscular Dystrophy Canada is one of these.
Treatment
My Approach
Your specialist team leads, and their plan comes first. Massage can't stop the weakness, but I can help ease stiffness and aching, keep joints moving to help with contractures, and support moderate exercise so you stay as mobile as possible. After any surgery, such as a tendon release or spinal surgery, I need your surgeon's okay before hands-on treatment.
I assess how your joints move, where muscles are shortening, and how you sit, stand and walk. Parents are welcome to sit in, with their child's agreement; if your child is too young to agree, you decide for them.
Hands-On Care
- Gentle massage and warm applications for tight, aching muscles, with lighter pressure on weak or wasted muscles
- Slow, sustained stretches, never forced, for areas that are starting to tighten
- Work for the neck, shoulders and back that strain with a wheelchair, walking aids or a curved spine; this eases the aches, not the curve
- Gentle lymphatic drainage if your feet and ankles swell
Staying Active
What to Expect
Typical Course
What I Focus On
Sources
References
- NHS (2025) Muscular dystrophy. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/muscular-dystrophy/ (Accessed: 7 October 2026).
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (2026) Muscular dystrophy. Available at: https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/muscular-dystrophy (Accessed: 7 October 2026).
- MedlinePlus (2025) Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Available at: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000705.htm (Accessed: 7 October 2026).
- Chabbi, N. et al. (2026) 'Characterization of dystrophin-related syndromes: carriers, DMD, and BMD', Muscles, 5(3), 60. doi: 10.3390/muscles5030060.