Spinal Muscular Atrophy 

ThreeSpires Physiotherapy offers neurological physiotherapy for patients with Spinal Muscular Atrophy. Our physiotherapy service is based in Lichfield and serves surrounding areas such as Sutton Coldfield, Tamworth, Rugeley, Walsall and Cannock. This page gives a brief overview of Spinal Muscular Atrophy and how neurological physiotherapy can be helpful.

Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is a genetic disease that causes muscle weakness and progressive loss of mobility and strength. It affects both children and adults and can have a significant impact of function. Here at ThreeSpires Physiotherapy we understand how to manage and help patients with spinal muscular atrophy at all stages of the disease. In the majority of cases of SMA, it will have been evident from birth, however one particular form of SMA (Type 4) only affects people in adulthood (usually after 35 years of age). 

Although muscles in any part of the body can be affected it usually affects the muscles closest to the spine such as the back, shoulders and pelvic region most severely. The effects of spinal muscular atrophy are varied but in general include muscle weakness, reduced mobility, needing to use a wheelchair and in children delays in achieving motor milestones such as crawling.

If your child has spinal muscular atrophy then we have a specialist paediatric physiotherapist who will be able to help them achieve their developmental milestones, improve their posture and range of motion. Therapy is always oriented around play in order to make sessions as fun as possible and keep children engaged.

Adults with spinal muscular atrophy will be assessed by a neurological physiotherapist who would identify key areas to work and focus upon in order to maximise function and quality of life. Your physiotherapist at ThreeSpires Physiotherapy will work towards maximising your levels of independence and function as well as reducing any other problems you may be suffering. Your physiotherapist will work on a range of issues including  postural alignment, balance, walking and transfers, in order to assist you in gaining as much independence as possible.

If you or someone you know has spinal muscular atrophy and you would like to find out more about how neurological physiotherapy might be able to help then please get in touch. We are a home visit physiotherapy service based in Lichfield, Staffordshire and we serve anywhere within a 25 minute drive. This includes locations such as Tamworth, Sutton Coldfield, Burton, Walsall, Rugeley, Cannock, Burntwood and Brownhills. We can be contacted on 0788 428 1623 or via email at enquiries@threespiresphysiotherapy.co.uk