News

EMG helps track progress for SMA patients in physical therapy

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…

Physical therapy can help SMA patients increase lung capacity

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…

Zolgensma gene therapy for SMA now routinely accessible in UK

The one-time gene therapy Zolgensma (onasemnogene abeparvovec) will now be routinely accessible at low or no cost to presymptomatic infants in England who are genetically predisposed to spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Per updated recommendations from the country’s National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), this…

Reducing edema prior to range of motion activities

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,…

Needling and Cupping in Neck and Upper Trapezius for SMA Patients

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…