Myopathies and Dystrophies

Plain-language definition

Muscle diseases causing progressive weakness. Physiotherapy to maintain strength and mobility.

Signs and points requiring attention

• Progressive muscle weakness preferentially affecting certain muscle groups depending on myopathy type: girdles (shoulders, hips), distal muscles, facial muscles. Evolution is variable, from slow to rapidly progressive.
• Increasing functional difficulties: difficulty climbing stairs (early sign), getting up from the floor (Gowers' sign), raising arms, abnormal fatigability. Walking is preserved for a long time in some forms.
• Possible respiratory involvement from respiratory muscle weakness: reduced vital capacity, ineffective cough, lung infections, respiratory failure sometimes requiring assisted ventilation. Regular monitoring essential.
• Risk of muscle contractures (Achilles tendons, hamstrings, hip flexors) and spinal deformities (scoliosis), especially during growth or with loss of walking.

• Breathing difficulties, unusual breathlessness, morning headaches, excessive fatigue: signs of respiratory failure requiring prompt consultation and vital capacity check.
• Rapid functional loss or unusual worsening: may signal a complication or flare in inflammatory forms. Medical consultation for reevaluation.
• Cardiac symptoms (palpitations, fainting, chest pain): some myopathies have associated cardiac involvement. Regular cardiac monitoring and urgent consultation if symptoms.

Assessment and care

• Muscle strength maintenance through adapted exercises: work against moderate resistance (not excessively fatiguing fragile muscles), low-intensity aerobic exercises, swimming.
• Active prevention of muscle contractures: daily stretching program for at-risk muscles, prolonged postures, night bracing if necessary (night splints).
• Preventive and curative respiratory physiotherapy: thoracic expansion work, respiratory muscle strengthening, clearance techniques, cough assistance, preparation for assisted ventilation.
• Progressive environment and assistive device adaptation: wheelchair at the right time, hospital bed, transfer aids, home automation. Maintaining independence and social participation.

This information does not replace diagnosis or medical consultation.