Author Archives: Emily Jones

Michael, a patient who has spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), has experienced reductions and increases in his lung capacity throughout his life due to his genetic disorder. This is a common occurrence in this population due to the disease’s progression on the muscles responsible for respiration. Just recently, this…

One of the first objectives we wanted to address when Michael, who has spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), began physical therapy in 2017, was swelling in his feet and ankles. There are many ways we have addressed the swelling and edema in his legs, including reducing his salt intake.

A common complaint SMA patients have is that their feet swell due to a lack of circulation, as well as being seated in a wheelchair most of the day. In this position, gravity allows for the pooling of fluid in the feet. Since there isn’t much, if any,…

Previously, we have performed cupping and dry needling on different parts of Michael’s body to help with several ailments throughout his time in physical therapy. Recently, cupping has helped reduce pain and increase the range of motion in his cervical spine, or neck. Michael reported after cupping…

As previously mentioned in one of my recent articles entitled “Post-Surgery Care for SMA Patients Taking Physical Therapy,” Michael, my patient with SMA, recently went through an elective surgery to have a subcutaneous port implanted in his chest, to reduce difficulty receiving medications through intravenous lines. With this surgery,…

SMA News Today · #118: Aging and SMA   Long before Scholar Rock began its Phase 3 pivotal trial of apitegromab, the FDA had awarded Scholar Rock with…

Michael, my physical therapy patient with SMA, recently decided to have a subcutaneous port voluntarily implanted in his chest. As SMA patients age, and due to their disease, these patients may spend more time in the hospital than most, especially around the flu and pneumonia seasons. Due to having difficulty…

A standing frame is a chair attached to a device that raises the chair into an upright position and has support for legs and feet as well as a table for upper extremity support once in a standing position. Standing frames can be used to reach many different goals by…

The relationship between a physical therapist and patient is very important for many reasons and should be an open, honest, and trusting relationship. This is especially important when you are working with someone with SMA, or another neurological disorder, who you will most likely be seeing long-term. It is important…

Since beginning Michael’s physical therapy in October 2017, we have been focusing on improving flexibility and increasing stability in his core musculature. This has greatly improved Michael’s ability to ascend and descend ramps with improved stability and has reduced his pain while sitting throughout the day in his wheelchair. Also,…