Rehabilitation management of muscular dystrophy and related disorders: II. Comprehensive care.

Management of patients with motor unit diseases is now more aggressive than in the past. Most physicians and therapists now believe that it is important to preserve maximal function as long as possible. Treatment should be prospective to inhibit deformity, prolong independent ambulation, and maximize functional capabilities. Management can best be carried out by a multidisciplinary approach to comprehensive care, and should consider the entire needs of the patient. Major goals are early diagnosis and establishment of a rehabilitation plan, maintenance of ADL and ambulation as long as possible, anticipation of complications, and the development of a program of prevention and supportive counseling to patient and family.