In 2009, a major report highlighted serious gaps in specialist care for people with neuromuscular conditions across the UK.

Commissioned by the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Muscular Dystrophy, the Walton Report revealed a shortage of specialists and poorly co-ordinated services that left many patients struggling. It called for investment in specialist centres, increased funding, better multidisciplinary care, and improved training for healthcare professionals.

Following the Walton Report, Muscular Dystrophy UK published Building on the Foundations. This reinforced the need for better access to physiotherapy, physical therapy, and hydrotherapy, particularly in the East and West Midlands, where services were overstretched and underfunded.

Since then, Muscular Dystrophy UK has made significant progress through its campaigns. This includes introducing specialist regional Care Advisor roles in the NHS, including one in both the East and West Midlands. However, access to ongoing physiotherapy remains a major concern.

Regular physiotherapy is crucial for slowing muscle deterioration, maintaining strength and flexibility, and managing pain. It also helps prevent emergency hospital admissions, which can be distressing, worsen health outcomes, and cost the NHS an avoidable £6.6 million per year.