Omura and Howard emphasize the ongoing role of rehabilitation in neuromuscular disorders

Assistant Professor Jaclyn Omura, MD, and Professor Ileana Howard, MD, together with colleagues from other institutions, recently published a paper highlighting the critical role of rehabilitation for individuals with neuromuscular disorders (NMDs).

While new disease-modifying treatments (DMTs) offer hope by altering the course of NMDs, the authors stress that these therapies are not curative and do not eliminate the need for comprehensive rehabilitation. Rehabilitation remains essential to address functional needs, musculoskeletal complications, pain, bracing, and durable medical equipment requirements for people living with NMDs.

The article also points to an emerging challenge: as children with NMDs are living longer into adulthood, the healthcare system must adapt to support a growing population of adults aging with these disorders. 

The authors argue that a rehabilitative approach should be the standard of care for patients with NMD, with a focus on a person-centered, goal-driven, and transdisciplinary team approach.

The full article, “Rehabilitation is [still] necessary to optimize function in neuromuscular disorders” is available now in Muscle & Nerve.