Physical Therapy for Myasthenia Gravis

Overview
Physical therapy plays a crucial role in managing myasthenia gravis, a condition known for muscle weakness. Although it can’t cure the condition, physical therapy aims to increase muscle strength, endurance, and overall function. Through regular sessions, physical therapy can help with improved mobility and a better quality of life for those living with myasthenia gravis. A physical therapist can create a program designed for your abilities and needs.

What does it involve?
Even just a few sessions with a physical therapist can make a positive impact on mobility and help individuals with myasthenia gravis discover how to navigate physical challenges. Physical therapy focuses on tailored exercises to enhance specific muscle groups, addressing weakness and fatigue commonly associated with myasthenia gravis. A good therapist will encourage you to challenge yourself while respecting your comfort levels.

Your physical therapist will show you different exercises to do at home. These exercises are meant to strengthen specific muscles affected by myasthenia gravis and improve your ability to move. Practicing these exercises regularly at home is important for maintaining benefits. Your therapist will give you instructions and support to make sure you’re doing the exercises correctly and safely. Doing these exercises at home becomes an important part of managing myasthenia gravis and helps you take an active role in your health between therapy sessions.

It is important not to become discouraged early on in therapy. Focus on slow, gradual progress toward goals.

Intended Outcomes
The three main goals of physical therapy are to ease pain, prevent disability, and improve function.

Constraints
Insurance may only pay for a limited number of physical therapy appointments. Depending on where you live and your level of disability, it may be hard to travel to physical therapy visits.

Some myasthenia gravis symptoms, including muscle fatigue and weakness, can make it difficult to stay motivated to keep up with physical therapy exercises. Side effects of medication can also interfere.

For more details about this treatment, visit:

Myasthenia Gravis — Physiopedia
https://www.physio-pedia.com/Myasthenia_Gravis

Myasthenia Gravis — Mayo Clinic
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/...