title: Physical therapy evaluation and management in neuromuscular diseases.
abstract: Neuromuscular disorders (NMDs) are a group of myopathic or neuropathic diseases that directly or indirectly affect the functioning of muscle. Physical therapists (PTs) have extensive specialized training in musculoskeletal evaluation and assessment that gives them the tools to meet the significant needs of this population. This article reviews the role of PTs in treating the NMD population with a discussion of available evaluation techniques and interventions and with an effort to differentiate between treatments known to apply to this population and conventional practice of PTs. The status of currently available outcome measures used for research and their applicability to clinics are presented.
authors.affiliation: Physical Therapy Department, University of California Davis, Suite 1100, 4860 Y Street, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA. linda.johnson@ucdmc.ucdavis.edu
authors.forename: Linda B
authors.initials: LB
authors.lastname: Johnson
authors.forename: Julaine M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Florence
authors.forename: R Ted
authors.initials: RT
authors.lastname: Abresch
mesh_terms: D000553:Ambulatory Care; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D023381:Endpoint Determination; D005684:Gait; D006792:House Calls; D006801:Humans; D008124:Locomotion; D053580:Muscle Strength; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000503:physiopathology; D059352:Musculoskeletal Pain / Q000628:therapy; D009468:Neuromuscular Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000628:therapy*; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D026761:Physical Therapy Specialty; D024382:Professional Role; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D012574:Schools; D016896:Treatment Outcome