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At Shriners Children's, our unique team of specialists provides the highest quality neuromuscular care for your child with muscular dystrophy.

Children with muscular and neuromuscular conditions have varied care needs that are constantly changing with age, growth, and in some cases progression of the condition. Each condition ranges in complexity and severity and can present in any number of ways. These conditions may cause problems with strength and mobility and lead to the development of secondary medical concerns.

We customize our care plans to treat and support the current and unique needs of your child, which is why Shriners Children's embraces a multidisciplinary approach. Every family we interact with is guided through the treatment process in a warm, collaborative environment that always puts the patient first. Our focus is to help every child meet their potential and live their best life – physically, emotionally and psychologically – during every step of their journey with Shriners Children's.

What Is Muscular Dystrophy?

Muscular dystrophy refers to a group of rare diseases that cause muscle weakness or loss of muscle mass. Although there is not currently a cure for this disease, individualized treatments can slow its progression and help with your child's symptoms.

How We Can Help

Throughout your child's course of care, there will be a number of care team members who all bring their own specialty to the table to assist in your child's treatment. These specialists vary at each location, but can include: pediatric neurologists, orthopedic surgeons, pediatric rehabilitation specialists, nurses, nurse practitioners; physical, occupational and speech therapists; psychologists, RN care coordinators, social worker care coordinators and clinical dieticians. We also have the ability to make adjustments to wheeled mobility devices and utilize our in-house orthotists to help with bracing needs.

Our focus is to maximize your child's function and make everyday tasks easier for your family.

We understand that learning to support your child with muscular dystrophy can be challenging for you as a caregiver, and we will be here every step of the way to provide support and answer any questions you have throughout this process.

Learn more below about treatment options and support services for muscular dystrophy.

Specific treatments and services may vary by location. Please contact a specific location for more information.

Additional Neuromuscular Conditions

Some of the pediatric neuromuscular conditions we routinely treat are:

  • Cerebral palsy
  • Nerve, muscular and connective tissue disorders, such as:
    • Arthrogryposis
    • Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease
    • Congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia
    • Distal hereditary motor neuropathies (dHMN)
    • Ehlers-Danlos syndromes
    • Friedreich ataxia
    • Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (juvenile inflammatory arthritis), Marfan syndrome
    • Neuromuscular scoliosis
    • Spina bifida
    • Spinal muscular atrophy

At Shriners Children's, we treat the child, not the condition. We focus on their unique physical, psychological and emotional needs; and at the direction of our pediatric specialists, work to provide the very best wraparound care available anywhere.

Learn About Muscular Dystrophy Support Services

The best medical support services are ones that help patients and their families continue working toward adjustment, healing and recovery. The specific muscular and neuromuscular support services your child's health care team recommends will be guided by the type and severity of the condition. Some patients, for example, may benefit from custom orthotics or serial stretch casting, while others thrive after undergoing physical therapy or surgery. Again, every child's needs are different.

Shriners Children's offers diverse muscular and neuromuscular support services, including:

We knew our son was in the best hands, receiving the best care, and I’ll always be grateful. I am thankful for our health and the team that loved him like their own.
Angie, Westfield, MA
female patient and orthotist

More than Measurements and Mechanics

With every brace, artificial limb and adaptive device we design and fabricate, there's the story of a child. Our patients want to feel comfortable and to look good; to play with friends and to be active. Our accredited orthotic and prosthetic specialists make that happen.

Services We Provide

View All Related Services

Pediatric Orthotic and Prosthetic Services (POPS)

Shriners Children’s Pediatric Orthotic and Prosthetic Services (POPS) designs, fits and manufactures orthotics and prosthetics for children from infants to young adults.

Motion Analysis

The specialists in Shriners Children’s motion analysis centers collect and analyze movement-related data, like gait analysis, to help treat children with neuromuscular, acquired or congenital disorders.

Speech Therapy

The speech therapy services available to patients at Shriners Children’s benefit children from birth through adolescence who have difficulties with communication and swallowing.

Neuromuscular Scoliosis

Neuromuscular scoliosis, seen in children who have medical conditions that impair their ability to control the spine-supporting muscles, is the second most common type of scoliosis. Shriners Children's has seen tens of thousands of children with neuromuscular scoliosis.

Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapists at Shriners Children's help kids be as independent as possible, focusing on what is important to them and what they love to do in their daily lives.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy at Shriners Children's helps children build confidence and strength, focusing on what is important to them and what they love to do in their daily lives.

Interpreter Services

Interpretive services are important to make sure you understand your child’s care. At Shriners Children's, we have Spanish interpreters and other translation services, free of charge.

Next Steps

Request an Appointment

Families and caregivers seeking treatment should start by contacting us for an appointment.

Log in to the Patient Portal

Parents and guardians of existing patients can email, request records, schedule appointments and more.

Refer a Patient

Physicians and healthcare providers can request appointments, start transfers or contact us with questions.