Alongside appointments with your consultant and advisor there are a number of different people that you may see who help you manage your condition. These can include physiotherapists; occupational therapists and teams that can help provide resources and equipment. When you move to adult services we will discuss with you how you will continue to access the services you require in your area.

Physiotherapy
A physiotherapist will work with you primarily to maximise your independence. This will include working to optimise your strength and mobility as well as helping in the prevention and management of pain and contractures. They will assess how your muscles and joints are working and provide appropriate activity advice, exercise programmes and aids in order to achieve your goals. They will work closely with other services including Orthotics and Wheelchair services. When you transfer to adult services you will see a physiotherapist who is part of this team. You will usually meet them at your transition clinic.

Occupational Therapy
There are different types of occupational therapists, some based in health services and others in social service. Depending on your condition and needs you may see one, both or neither. 

Health based Occupational Therapists aim to help you if your neuromuscular condition is causing difficulties in allowing you to carry out your daily activities independently. These everyday activities could include school, work, home or leisure activities. They can offer advice on any equipment or adaptations to help with activities including aids for eating, writing, dressing and driving.  The occupational therapists can give you advice on planning and pacing to reduce tiredness (fatigue management). They can do an assessment and provide splints to support joints at rest or activity; carry out a hand assessment to monitor for any changes in joints; and provide hand and wrist exercises to maintain range of movement and improve function. 

A referral to a Social Services Occupational Therapist can be made if you are struggling with activities of daily living in your home/school environment.  They will look at alternative ways and suggest strategies to help you cope with functional loss as well as suggesting alterations to where you live, such as use of equipment or adaptations. If your home environment is not adaptable they can write reports to support an application for moving home.

Orthotics
To enhance the function of your muscles and prevent contractures (stiffening or loss of joint mobility), you may be referred to the Orthotic service.  They will assess your needs and provide made to measure and/or stock orthoses (often called appliances or splints).  These can include leg, foot or hand splints, insoles, specialised footwear or back braces.

Wheelchair services
If you are having difficulties walking and need to regularly use a wheelchair, a referral to wheelchair services can be made.  As part of this you will need an assessment which is often undertaken at a Specialist Centre, this includes you being measured to ensure the wheelchair ordered is the correct size for you.