Author Archives: Emily Jones

While working with any population that isn’t able to independently move around, or doesn’t move frequently for any reason, pressure sores should be checked for regularly. We call these skin checks and they are done to check frequently affected areas, such as bony places on the body or places where…

Looking forward to this new year of physical therapy with Michael, my patient who has spinal muscular atrophy, we will continue to work toward improving his functionality in the new wheelchair he began using last year. Even though we have been working in this chair for a few…

Over the past year, we have spent time focusing on various growth areas for my patient with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), Michael. Those include edema in his lower extremities, along with ways to improve his benefits for increased lung capacity, and improving flexibility for future strengthening. We’ve also…

Michael, my patient who has spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), has recently transferred into a new wheelchair and was experiencing significant discomfort in his right hip while seated. We performed several different modalities and activities on Michael’s tailbone to increase his comfort. A combination of these adjustments was…

During the past few weeks, my patient with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), Michael, has been adjusting to a new wheelchair. While he’s been in his new chair, he’s had discomfort along his right hip. Due to this increase in discomfort, we have been transferring him each week out…

Michael, a spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) patient who I treat, has had his new wheelchair for about three years, although has had difficulty transitioning into it due to needed modifications. Unfortunately, the chair he had been using stopped working and he was forced to get into the new…

When you begin working with a patient with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), it’s likely you will be working with them for several years. Over time, it is natural to form a bond with them, which will enable you to provide a more in-depth and more personalized treatment plan. It…

Over the past several months, we’ve been focusing mostly on improving comfort and flexibility for Michael, my patient who has spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), in preparation for a potential new treatment from Scholar Rock called apitegromab, which is in a Phase 3 clinical trial. The…

Many patients with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) spend the majority of their time sitting in wheelchairs. Increased periods of sitting can lead to tailbone pain due to increased pressure on those areas. When these areas become stiff and painful, a little mobilization can lead to reduced pain and improved…

Electromyography (EMG)  is a test done with electrodes and/or needles inserted into or onto specific muscles to assess muscle activation at rest and during contraction. For Michael, my patient who has spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), we performed an EMG on different muscle groups to assess resting and activation…