Muscular Dystrophy Products | Adaptive Equipment for Muscular Dystrophy

Muscular dystrophy is an umbrella term for a group of genetic diseases that cause weakened muscles and loss of muscle mass. It is a progressive condition that affects the physical ability of a person to perform their routine activities. It is also referred to as a muscle-wasting condition. The muscles of the human body require a protein called dystrophin that is necessary for normal muscle function. The loss or lack of dystrophin is often cited as the main cause of muscular dystrophy. Although it can occur in almost all age groups, muscular dystrophy is often caused in children, and the more vulnerable ones are boys in their childhood or their teenage.
At Rehab Store, we understand the challenges posed by this condition and have curated a collection of specialized aids to provide comfort, support, and improved mobility. We believe in empowering individuals with muscular dystrophy to navigate daily life with greater ease and independence. Explore our wide range of adaptive equipment for muscular dystrophy that makes a positive impact on your journey.

What are the Types and Symptoms of Muscular Dystrophy?

There are over 30 different types of muscular dystrophy, but nine are major and most common among all types. They are characterized in terms of their symptoms and their intensity. They are:

1. Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
   Often seen in children, especially boys, the symptoms include trouble walking, difficulty standing up, bone thinning, scoliosis, breathing difficulties, lung and heart weakness, etc.
2. Congenital Muscular Dystrophy
   Common between the birth of a child and the time they turn 2 years old, its symptoms include muscle weakness, poor motor control, scoliosis, dysphagia, respiratory issues, vision problems, speech problems, and hampered brain development.
3. Myotonic Muscular Dystrophy
   Myotonic dystrophy is characterized by the inability of the muscles to relax after they have contracted. The common symptoms include drooping muscles of the face, swallowing difficulty, poor vision, weight loss, increased sweating, difficulty lifting the neck, early baldness, etc.
4. Facioscapulohumeral (FSHD) Muscular Dystrophy
   It often affects the muscles of the face, shoulders, and upper arms, and the symptoms include difficulty in swallowing and chewing, slanted shoulders, the crooked appearance of the mouth, and the wing-like appearance of the shoulder blades.
5. Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy
   This type of muscular dystrophy causes weakening of the muscles and loss of muscle mass. Symptoms include difficulty in standing up, walking, carrying items, etc. Falls and stumbles are also common among this type of muscular dystrophy.
6. Distal Muscular Dystrophy
   Also referred to as distal myopathy, affects the muscles of the forearms, hands, calves, and feet. This type of muscular dystrophy gradually complicated into heart problems, impairment of motor skills, and difficulty in walking.
7. Oculopharyngeal Muscular Dystrophy
   This type of muscular dystrophy is the weakening of the muscles of the face, neck, and shoulder muscles. Its symptoms include drooping eyelids, voice changes, heart problems, difficulty walking, vision problems, etc.
8. Becker Muscular Dystrophy
   Similar to the Duchenne type but less severe, its symptoms include walking on the toes, frequent slipping & falling, muscle cramps, trouble sitting and standing, etc.
9. Emery-Dreifuss Muscular Dystrophy
   A type that affects boys more than girls; its symptoms include weakness in the upper arm, breathing problems, heart problems, and shortening of the muscles in the spine, neck, ankles, knees, and elbows.

Complications of Muscular Dystrophy

There are a wide range of complications associated with muscular dystrophy, including:

• Trouble walking
• Troubling executing daily chores
• Breathing problems
• Curved spine
• Heart problems
• Swallowing problems
• Shortening of muscles or tendons

Adaptive Equipment for Muscular Dystrophy

• Eating and Drinking Aids – Eating and drinking aids like large-handled cutlery, two-handled mugs, non-spill mugs, weighted utensils, scoop dishes, etc. make mealtime convenient for people with muscular dystrophy. They prevent spillage and allow users to feed by themselves, thereby enhancing their independence and dignity. Different eating and drinking aids help in managing the different difficulties one faces while dining and drinking.
• Orthopedic Aids - Orthoses are worn around body parts to provide extra support and compression. They help people with muscular dystrophy by keeping tendons and muscles in a stretched position and slowing down the process of their shortening. They also give added support while moving. They help in managing the pain and strengthening the muscles to prevent any damage to the muscles
• Exercise and Fitness Aids – Exercise and fitness aids are designed to help manage the weakness caused by muscular dystrophy. Exercise and fitness can help strengthen the muscles of the body thus reducing the vulnerability of the muscles to getting damaged or ruptured.
• Daily Living Aids – Daily living aids such as home care accessories, kitchen aids, and dressing aids are designed to help a person execute their daily chores with ease. Muscular dystrophy can weaken the muscles and thus make it difficult for an individual to carry out their daily activities freely. Adaptive daily living aids can help manage this condition with ease.
• Pain Relief Therapies / Modalities – Pain relief therapies or modalities such as cold therapy, heat therapy, electrotherapy, magnetic therapy, compression therapy, etc., are designed to manage the pain and inflammation associated with muscular dystrophy and help increase the strength of the muscles and improve blood circulation. They can be used in combination with other treatment or management aids to help relieve the symptoms of muscular dystrophy.

Where to Buy Muscular Dystrophy Products Online?

At Rehab Store, we have a wide range of premium and best muscular dystrophy products that are designed to help manage and treat muscular dystrophy while also relieving the symptoms of the condition. Choose from the best muscular dystrophy assistive aids at amazing prices and discounts from top manufacturers and brands.