If you’re living with muscular dystrophy and want to improve your breathing, feel more in control, or simply take some time to relax, our Breathing and More classes are here to help.

Led by our Co-Lead Osteopath France, these monthly online sessions combine simple breathing techniques and mindfulness practices. They’re designed especially for adults with MD and aim to support both your physical and emotional wellbeing.

From October, we’re adding an extra online session each month on a Wednesday to offer more opportunities to benefit from the classes. Also, in response to suggestions from our service users, we are trialling a hybrid class where a small number of people can attend in person.

Why these classes matter

As muscular dystrophy progresses, it can weaken the muscles that support breathing, especially the diaphragm, chest, and abdominal muscles. This can lead to shallow breathing (hypoventilation), difficulty clearing mucus, and reduced lung expansion.

Over time, these changes may cause:

• Tiredness and disrupted sleep.
• Morning headaches due to low oxygen levels overnight.
• Weak cough and increased risk of chest infections.
• Breathlessness and shallow breathing.
• Poor concentration, loss of appetite, and low energy.

Symptoms can build up gradually and might not be obvious at first. Left unmanaged, they can affect daily life and lead to complications. However, breathwork and relaxation techniques can make a big difference.

Our Breathing and More classes include a mix of breathing exercises and guided mindfulness, specially tailored for people living with MD to help boost your physical and mental wellbeing.

Breathing techniques

These exercises help you breathe more effectively and feel more in control. They can:

• Strengthen the diaphragm and chest muscles, helping you breathe more deeply and fully.
• Maintain lung capacity, which can slow down breathing decline over time.
• Support airway clearance, reducing the risk of respiratory infections.
• Improve oxygen intake and reduce breathlessness, making everyday activities feel easier.

Just a few minutes of practice a day can help reduce the effort needed to breathe.

Mindfulness and relaxation

Mindfulness helps calm the mind and body, often by focusing on the breath. It can:

• Reduce stress and anxiety, which in turn can reduce muscle tension, allowing you to breathe more easily.
• Promote relaxation, helping you feel calmer and more in control during flare-ups or medical appointments.
• Improve sleep and boost energy levels.
• Support emotional wellbeing and resilience, helping you cope with day-to-day challenges.

Together, these approaches offer a gentle and empowering way to support your health.

What people are saying

One regular attendee shared the impact the classes has had on them:

“I visited my consultant after my annual lung function tests. He looked at the results, frowned, and asked if I’d been doing breathing exercises. I proudly said yes on Fridays through the MD Support Centre. I explained what we did in the sessions and how I continued the exercises during the week.
He told me there was an unexpected improvement in my results.
So thank you, France. Your work has made a real difference. And thank you to the MD Support Centre for this valuable free service.”

How to take part

Breathing and More classes are held online once a month, with an extra session starting in October. There is no need to book – simply drop in on the day. Visit our online classes page to find out more.

Limited in-person spaces are also available via our new hybrid format and must be booked in advance. Please note that to enable more people to access the in-person classes, you only book one session at a time.

To book your place call our Reception team on 02476 100770.

We’d love for you to join us!