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DMD PATHWAYS
Navigating Duchenne Together

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Your Physical Therapy Team

Helping Your Child Stay Moving, Comfortable, and Independent

When many people think about , they imagine recovering from an injury or surgery.

Physical therapy in is different.

The goal isn't to make muscles stronger or "fix" Duchenne.

Instead, physical therapy focuses on helping your child maintain flexibility, preserve movement, reduce discomfort, support independence, and continue doing the activities they enjoy for as long as possible.

One of the most important things to remember is this:

Movement is medicine.

That doesn't mean pushing your child beyond their limits.

It means helping them move in safe, enjoyable, and sustainable ways throughout childhood and beyond.

Who You May Meet

Not every clinic is organized the same way, but your physical therapy team may include:

Pediatric

Your physical therapist evaluates your child's flexibility, mobility, balance, posture, and movement while developing a plan to help preserve function and independence.

Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)

Works alongside the physical therapist to provide treatment, reinforce exercises, and help your family build confidence with home routines.

Aquatic Physical Therapist

Some families benefit from therapy in a warm-water pool. Water supports the body, reduces stress on joints, and allows many children to move more comfortably. For many kids, it simply feels like playing in the water.

Seating & Mobility Specialist

Helps evaluate wheelchairs, seating systems, positioning, standing devices, and other equipment that supports comfort and independence.

Designs braces and that help maintain flexibility, improve positioning, and reduce the risk of .

Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Physician (Physiatrist)

Some clinics include a rehabilitation physician who focuses on maximizing mobility, comfort, function, and quality of life.

Physical Therapy Doesn't Only Happen in a Clinic

One of the biggest misconceptions about physical therapy is that it only happens during appointments.

In reality, most of the work happens at home through small, consistent habits.

Your therapist may only see your child a few times each year.

You are the one helping those recommendations become part of everyday life.

That doesn't mean you have to become a physical therapist.

It simply means finding enjoyable ways to make movement part of your child's daily routine.

Keep Moving: The DMD Pathways Movement Library

One of the questions we hear most often is:

"Can you just show me what to do?"

That's exactly why we created the Keep Moving Library.

This growing collection of videos, printable guides, and step-by-step demonstrations is designed to help families safely incorporate movement into everyday life—whether you're already working with a physical therapist or waiting for your first appointment.

Our goal isn't to replace your child's therapy team.

It's to help you feel confident supporting your child's movement between appointments.

Inside the Keep Moving Library you'll find:

Daily Stretching

  • • Full-body stretching routines
  • • Parent-assisted stretches
  • • Morning routines
  • • Bedtime stretching

Movement by Age

  • • Toddlers
  • • Preschoolers
  • • School-age children
  • • Teens
  • • Adults with Duchenne

Movement by Ability

  • •
  • • Early mobility changes
  • • Wheelchair users
  • • Upper body movement

Aquatic Activities

  • • Pool exercises
  • • Water games
  • • Floating activities
  • • Family swim ideas

Everyday Movement

  • • Playground activities
  • • Family walks
  • • Dancing
  • • Riding bikes
  • • Outdoor games
  • • PE class ideas

Video Demonstrations

  • • Range of motion exercises
  • • Warm-up routines
  • • Chair exercises
  • • Balance activities
  • • Adaptive movement ideas

Because movement shouldn't stop when therapy ends.

Explore the Keep Moving Library

Getting Started at Home

Even before you meet with a physical therapist, there are simple ways to encourage safe, enjoyable movement. These ideas are often appropriate for many children with Duchenne, but always check with your healthcare team before beginning a new exercise routine.

Walking

If your child is able, walking remains one of the best everyday activities.

Swimming & Water Play

Water provides natural support while encouraging movement in a fun, low-impact environment.

Gentle Stretching

Simple daily stretching can help maintain flexibility and comfort.

Riding a Bicycle or Adaptive Bike

Many children enjoy cycling as a safe, low-impact activity.

Playground Play

Exploring, climbing within comfort, swinging, and imaginative play all encourage healthy movement.

Dancing

Movement doesn't have to feel like therapy. If your child loves music, dancing counts.

Active Family Time

Playing catch. Walking the dog. Helping in the garden. Playing with . Movement happens in everyday life.

Activities That May Require Extra Discussion

Some activities place significant stress on muscles and should be discussed with your physical therapist before participating. Examples include:

  • Heavy weightlifting
  • High-impact jumping
  • Intense resistance training
  • Activities that cause significant muscle soreness
  • Competitive activities requiring repeated maximal effort

The goal isn't to avoid fun.

It's to protect muscles while encouraging lifelong movement.

Common Myths About Physical Therapy

Myth: "Physical therapy can make Duchenne go away."

Reality: Physical therapy cannot stop Duchenne, but it can help preserve flexibility, comfort, function, and independence.

Myth: "More exercise is always better."

Reality: The goal isn't to do more. The goal is to do the right kind of movement. Gentle, consistent activity is usually far more beneficial than intense exercise.

Myth: "If my child isn't seeing a physical therapist yet, there's nothing we can do."

Reality: There is plenty you can do. Gentle movement, stretching, swimming, walking, and active play are all wonderful ways to support your child while you're getting connected with therapy services.

Myth: "Using a wheelchair means we've given up."

Reality: Mobility equipment doesn't take away independence. It often gives it back. The right equipment helps children continue learning, exploring, participating, and enjoying life.

Questions You May Want to Ask

You don't need to ask every question during your first visit. Choose the ones that are most important to your family.

  • What activities are safe for my child right now?
  • Are there activities we should avoid?
  • Can you teach us stretches we should do at home?
  • How often should we be stretching?
  • Would aquatic therapy benefit my child?
  • Should we begin thinking about braces or orthotics?
  • What signs tell us it's time to reassess mobility?
  • How can we keep movement enjoyable instead of making it feel like another medical task?
  • Which activities from the Keep Moving Library are appropriate for my child right now?

Before You Leave the Appointment

Before heading home, make sure you know:

  • Which stretches should be done at home
  • How often they should be performed
  • Which activities are encouraged
  • Which activities should be limited or avoided
  • Whether braces or orthotics are recommended
  • When your next PT appointment should be
  • Who to contact if mobility changes between visits
  • Which Keep Moving Library resources your therapist recommends starting with

What We Wish

Someone Had Told Us

Honest advice and lessons learned from Duchenne families who've been there.

We thought physical therapy meant adding another medical appointment to our calendar. Looking back, we realized it became something much bigger. It taught us how to help our child keep doing the things they loved.

Some days that looked like stretching. Other days it looked like swimming, riding a bike, dancing in the kitchen, playing outside, or simply taking a family walk.

We learned that movement doesn't have to be perfect to be meaningful. The goal isn't to raise an athlete. The goal is to help your child stay comfortable, confident, curious, and engaged in the life they want to live.

Celebrate movement in whatever form it takes. Every stretch, every splash, every bike ride, every dance party, and every step is part of the journey.