Duchenne-specific PT focuses on range, positioning, contracture prevention, safe activity and equipment—not strengthening to exhaustion. Ask for a written home plan and stop activities causing prolonged pain or weakness.
What this means in real life
Duchenne-specific therapy focuses on maintaining comfortable range, positioning, safe activity, function and access. Gentle regular stretching of ankles, knees and hips may help delay contracture, but forceful stretching should not cause pain or tissue injury. Massage may feel good and reduce discomfort, yet it does not restore dystrophin or replace range-of-motion care.
Strengthening that causes high resistance, eccentric loading or exhaustion can damage vulnerable muscle. Therapy should favor submaximal activity, efficient movement, aquatic or cycling options when appropriate, breathing and cough support coordination, and early equipment planning. The program must change as walking, upper-limb function, cardiac/respiratory status and bone health change.
Ask for a written home routine that is short enough to sustain. Stop and call the team for prolonged pain, swelling, dark urine, sudden weakness or loss of function after exercise.
A practical checklist
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Use a therapist who understands DMD muscle vulnerability.
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Get written instructions for position, duration, frequency and stopping signs.
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Avoid force, bouncing and exercise to failure.
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Build therapy into comfortable routines rather than battles.
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Reassess equipment and caregiver technique as function changes.
Questions to bring with you
Use these at the clinic, school meeting, equipment evaluation, program interview or benefits call. Write down the answers and who owns the next step.
- Which muscles and joints are the current priorities?
- How should the stretch feel, and what is too much?
- Which activities are concentric, eccentric or high resistance?
- What is the expected purpose of massage?
- How will we measure whether the plan remains useful?
Important context
Individual needs, eligibility and safety can differ. Confirm the plan with the relevant Duchenne-experienced clinician, therapist, school team or program before acting.
Sources used for this guide
Direct links are included so families can check the original guidance and bring it to qualified professionals.
Content review: July 18, 2026. Medical labels, trials, benefits and programs can change after publication.
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