In-clinic therapies

Physiotherapy can help people with muscular dystrophy maintain mobility, flexibility and strength, supporting everyday activities and independence. Regular, tailored therapy can improve balance, posture and gait, reduce stiffness and discomfort, and enhance overall quality of life, helping people stay active and confident in their movement.

Our expert physiotherapists provide tailored therapy and advice, ensuring care is personalised and effective over the long term.

Our physiotherapy sessions may include:

• Exercise planning and supervision to help keep muscles active while respecting energy limits
• Manual and hands‑on therapies such as gentle stretching, massage and guided movement to ease tension, improve joint mobility and comfort
• Posture advice and movement coaching to support alignment, reduce strain and make daily activities easier

Osteopathy is a hands‑on therapy that focuses on how muscles, joints and connective tissues work together. In an osteopathy session you can expect:

• A thorough assessment of how your body moves and where tension or restricted motion may affect comfort
• Gentle hands-on techniques such as soft tissue work, mobilisation and guided movement
• Advice on posture, movement and strategies to maintain comfort between sessions

Benefits for people with muscular dystrophy

• Relieves muscle and joint tension, complementing physiotherapy exercises
• Encourages improved circulation and tissue mobility
• Supports posture, balance and comfort, making movement easier
• Enhances confidence and engagement with daily activities

We use a range of specialist equipment to make therapy safe and effective:

Tilt Tables
Tilt tables gradually lift you from lying down to upright in a safe, supported way. Benefits include:

• Practising standing and weight-bearing exercises safely
• Improving circulation and cardiovascular response
• Building tolerance to upright posture
• Supporting muscle activation and slowing strength loss
• Boosting confidence, mood and engagement

THERA‑Trainer Balo
This device supports standing and balance in a fall-safe environment, helping:

• Strengthen core and lower limb muscles for stability
• Improve postural control and balance
• Practise gait patterns and coordination
• Enhance functional mobility for everyday activities
• Reduce the risk of falls and build confidence

Parallel Bars and Ceiling Tracked Hoist

Ceiling tracked hoists assist with transfers, supported walking and exercise, helping circulation and mobility while reducing risk

Parallel bars support safe practice of walking, balance and stepping

Exercise is a key part of supporting physical health and wellbeing. Our specialist equipment makes exercise safe, effective and accessible:

THERA‑Trainer Bikes

• Can be used with a wheelchair or seat
• Exercise arms, legs, or both
• Passive mode moves your limbs to maintain mobility and circulation
• Active mode engages your muscles for strengthening

Shapemaster Power Assisted Exercise Machine

• Seated circuit works major muscle groups through gentle, guided exercise
• Stimulates muscles and improves circulation
• Retrains muscle patterns and provides low intensity interval training
• Variable effort programmes for strength and cardio

Our therapy assistant will support you with all exercise equipment, ensuring safe, confident use, maximising gains from therapy, and helping you stay active between sessions.

Hand therapy helps maintain and improve strength, coordination and dexterity in the hands, which are essential for everyday tasks such as washing, dressing, eating and handling objects. Targeted hand exercises improve grip strength, fine motor control, joint mobility and comfort, and help people stay independent in daily activities.

Our hand therapy sessions, tailored by our therapy assistant, include:

• GripAble machine – personalised exercises with real-time feedback to strengthen grip, wrist and hand movement
• Resistance putty – improve finger, thumb and wrist strength while encouraging circulation and mobility
• Community co-designed equipment – allows practice of everyday tasks such as operating buttons, zips and handles, helping transfer therapy gains into daily life.

Complementary therapies provide both physical and emotional benefits for people with muscular dystrophy. They help relax stiff or achy muscles, ease tension and muscle spasms, improve joint flexibility, and support circulation.

These therapies also promote emotional wellbeing by reducing stress and anxiety, lifting mood, increasing energy, and encouraging relaxation. Many people find they help improve sleep and overall comfort.

Complementary therapies can also benefit family members, offering a way to unwind, relax, and navigate difficult emotions.

Complementary therapy is currently offered in our Leicester satellite clinic. Please contact us if you would like to find out more.

Our aquatic exercise classes combine cardio, balance and core-strengthening exercises in water at around breastbone height. The water supports and resists your movements, allowing you to explore safely while building strength and confidence.

Benefits for people with muscular dystrophy

• Buoyancy makes exercises safer and more accessible
• Water’s resistance, pressure and viscosity support balance, flexibility, strength and lung function
• Can help with pain management and circulation
• Builds confidence and a sense of freedom in movement
• Encourages social engagement, fun and community, which boost wellbeing

How a session works

Classes start gently to help participants get comfortable and socialise. Each session focuses on cardiorespiratory fitness, balance, flexibility and strength. Two physiotherapists run each class: one leads exercises, while the other offers individual support. Buoyancy aids, floats, weights, and an adjustable pool floor make exercises accessible for everyone.

Mobility aids are welcome poolside, and we provide a four-wheeled walker for those who need extra support. An accessible pool lift ensures getting in and out of the water is safe and dignified. Participants can wear swimming shorts and a swim shirt if preferred, and carers or family members helping with changing can use the other half of the pool during the class.

Requirements

• Must be able to walk 10-20m (with or without walking aid)
• Must be water confident
• Must be able to change independently or with the help of a PA or family member before and after the session

Classes are held on Tuesday afternoons at the Xcel Leisure Centre in Coventry during the Easter and Summer holidays. They cost £20 per session or £15 per session if booking the full block.

Please speak to our reception team to book a place. If you’re unsure whether the sessions would be suitable for you, please ask your physiotherapist for advice.