In October, Siobhan and Ulrike represented MD Support Centre at the annual Muscular Dystrophy UK (MDUK) Allied Health Professionals conference, where they spoke about the role of physiotherapy in supporting people with muscular dystrophy.
Held in Birmingham, the hybrid event brought together 56 delegates in person and 138 online. It was a lively mix of physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, dietitians, neuromuscular care advisors and others.
Siobhan and Ulrike’s talk, Physiotherapy – optimising function and inspiring independence, shared the story and ethos of MD Support Centre, and the way our physiotherapists approach assessment and treatment. They explained that while the main symptoms of muscle-wasting conditions can’t be changed, the secondary issues caused by muscle weakness often can.
They showed how improving flexibility, core stability, posture, strength, fitness and balance can make a real difference to someone’s mobility and wellbeing. Their presentation also highlighted the value of a person-centred approach that can be adapted as a person’s mobility changes and new challenges arise.
They spoke about the emotional and practical side of living with a neuromuscular condition too, and how peer support plays a vital role. Our Adapting to Change group, for example, gives people space to share real-life experiences and learn from each other. The presentation ended with a look towards the Centre’s vision for the future.
The session was very warmly received, with great feedback shared both in person and in follow-up messages. It was the first time MD Support Centre had been invited to present at an MDUK conference — a proud milestone that reflects the growing recognition of our work within the wider community.
Other inspiring sessions covered topics such as speech and swallowing, counselling for people with rare conditions, nutrition, and housing adaptations. The event also offered plenty of networking opportunities, and Siobhan and Ulrike made valuable new connections while strengthening existing partnerships with others working in the neuromuscular field.