Weaving together your Becker Care Team
Becker muscular dystrophy affects virtually every aspect of a person’s life. It can feel overwhelming at times, but working with a team of healthcare providers can make all the difference in how you move forward.
On this page, you’ll learn more about
What types of healthcare providers are involved in Becker multidisciplinary care?
Becker muscular dystrophy is a complex disease affecting different systems in your body. That’s why it’s so important to connect with a team of specialists as soon as you can to create a plan that helps you establish a baseline and take meaningful steps to stay engaged in the activities and moments that matter most to you.
Neurologist
Certain Neurologists specialize in the treatment of neuromuscular diseases like Becker muscular dystrophy and help coordinate care across different Care Team specialists.
Physical Therapist
Supports muscle strength and function and develops custom exercise programs to help support mobility.
Cardiologist
Monitors for changes in cardiac health and treats to prevent and delay worsening of cardiac function.
Primary Care Physician
Coordinates general care for acute medical issues, such as mild illness, and initiates referrals to other healthcare providers.
Endocrinologist
Monitors bone health and treats conditions associated with low testosterone due to steroid use.
Gastroenterologist
Treats a variety of symptoms, including constipation, gastroesophageal reflux, and gastrointestinal motility issues.
Psychiatrist / Psychologist
Provides mental health support.
Pulmonologist
Helps individuals living with Becker with breathing issues due to respiratory muscle weakness.
Orthopedist
Treats fractures and related bone complications.
Occupational Therapist
Helps people with disabilities make adaptations for activities of daily living and working.
Social Worker
Helps individuals living with Becker coordinate needed resources and support.
Geneticist
Assists with the diagnosis of Becker (affected individuals and family members) and provides information to understand how Becker may be inherited and affect other family members.
Speech Therapist
Provides assistance to individuals living with Becker who are experiencing difficulty swallowing.
Becker muscular dystrophy, nerves, and the outside world fade away as Jess takes a moment before stepping onto the improv stage.
See your care through
There’s currently no cure for Becker, but there are ways to manage it, one proactive step at a time.
Care shouldn’t wait for visible changes or an accident. Muscle protection starts now.
Plan for your future today. Incorporating physical therapy, activity adjustments, and regular heart monitoring into your routine can all help support long-term cardiac health, maintain physical activity, and optimize muscle function.
Work with your doctors right away to plan for care that fits your needs and changes with your life.
Medical Appointments
Coordinate regular checkups to monitor disease progression and discuss symptom management.
Rehabilitative Care
Rehabilitative care specialists, including physical, occupational, and speech therapists, can tailor recommendations to support your unique needs.
Remaining Active
Your Care Team can help to develop an exercise program that best fits your needs and lifestyle. Maintaining an active lifestyle can be very beneficial for individuals living with Becker muscular dystrophy. Remaining active can minimize the potential of joint contractures, muscle fatigue, and reduce loss of muscle functions critical to performing everyday activities.
Symptom Management
Manage symptoms by coordinating with your Care Team. Over-the-counter medications may be used to treat muscle pain or cramps. Your Care Team may prescribe corticosteroids at their discretion to aid in muscle function or recommend the use of braces to aid in mobility. Heart medications may also be used to manage heart-related symptoms.
Emotional Support
At times, you may feel overwhelmed managing your condition. Members of your Care Team, including Psychiatrists, Psychologists, and Social Workers, are trained to offer emotional resources to help support you.
Clinical Trials
There may be clinical trials evaluating the safety and efficacy of potential Becker muscular dystrophy treatments. Discuss clinical trial participation with your Care Team to help decide whether you may be a candidate for any specific trials.
Regardless of where you are in your Becker journey, talking openly about your experience and sharing small changes in your abilities as you begin to notice them is the best thing you can do for yourself and your loved ones in the long run.
