Muscular dystrophy (MD) is a group of genetic conditions that results in progressive weakening of the muscles. There are many types of MD with specific signs and symptoms. Common symptoms include decreased strength, generalised progressive weakness, reduced gross motor skills.

At Steps, our clients with Muscular Dystrophy present with reduced independence for activities of daily living, weakness, movement difficulties, difficulty with speech and swallowing, respiratory issues, complex assistive technology and home modification needs.

How we can help:

The therapists at Steps have an expert understanding of your condition and will provide a comprehensive and compassionate assessment of your goals and your needs.

Physiotherapy

• Maintaining functional independence
• Practice and training for tasks such as sitting, standing, walking and transferring
• Support worker training
• Prescription of assistive technology
• Spasticity and tone management to maintain flexibility
• Pain management and prevention of chronic injuries
• Set up of aquatic physiotherapy programs to allow you to exercise safely in the water
• Splinting and orthotics including collaboration with Second Skin and various Orthotists to assist you with your
• function and daily tasks
• Collaboration with medical specialists
• Provide education about your condition
• Provide home exercise programs

Occupational Therapy

• Upper limb intervention and splinting
• Community access training and assessment
• Assessment and prescription of assistive technology
• Assessment and prescription of adaptive aids and equipment
• Assessment for minor or major home modifications
• Assessment for housing solutions, such as Supported Independent Living (SIL) or Supported Disability
• Accommodation (SDA)
• Functional retraining for everyday activities including personal care, household tasks and cooking
• Identifying level of support worker assistance required
• Facilitating return to work goals
• Assisting with holiday planning
• Fatigue management strategies

Exercise Physiology

• Targeted strength training
• Tailored cardiovascular exercise
• Manual wheelchair skills
• Prescription of a tailored gym or home program

Wheelchair and seating

• Power and manual wheelchair prescription
• Complex seating and positioning solutions

Allied Health Assistant

• Support and supervise exercise programs prescribed by treating allied health professionals to increase frequency of therapy
• Support allied health professionals with clients who require multiple therapists’ assistance

At Steps we pride ourselves on working collaboratively with your interdisciplinary team, including neuropsychologists, speech pathologists, orthotist, dietician, recreation specialists, community nurses, neurologists, general practitioners and other allied health or medical staff.