Physiotherapy for Rett Syndrome - RETT SYNDROME MANAGEMENT WITH PHYSIOTHERAPY Rett syndrome is a neuro developmental disorder that commonly affects kids. It usually affects females and is a rare disease for males. Males who acquire this disease usually die before they are born or shortly after birth. The cause is pointed out to a defective X chromosome called the MECP2 gene that is thought to have undergone mutation. Symptoms usually include gait abnormalities, seizures, mental retardation, and slowed brain and head growth. They may also exhibit autistic-like behavior such as diminished eye contact. Rett syndrome is sporadic. It has been reported in all races of different ethnic groups. Children born with Rett syndrome may appear like any other babies at birth and may not show any signs of abnormalities. They will develop and grow normally like any other babies not until the child reaches the age of 1 – 4 years old wherein the arrest of motor movements and communication skills are observed. Loss of control of hand movements and language may be seen in a child. Eventually, there will be a slowed rate of head growth and unsteady gait may become apparent. Irregular breathing pattern and seizure may occur. There are also behavioral problems, such as bouts of crying, irritability and withdrawal. Scoliosis eventually develops and braces are needed to halt the progression of the disease. There will also be irregularities in heart beat and prolonged QT requires attention. People with Rett syndrome will also experience gastrointestinal disorders such as constipation. Treatments for children with Rett syndrome are symptomatic and supportive management since there is no cure found yet. Physiotherapy is used in children with Rett syndrome to develop their physical abilities to full potential. Their conditions are first assessed and are treated depending on the severity of the problem and are individualized for each child. Physiotherapists create a special treatment program based on the needs of each child. The physiotherapist has to determine the level of understanding and reason to make an individualized program which includes activities to promote balance, strength and coordination. To make it more interesting for the kids, games, toys and special equipments are also used in the procedure. Monitoring is done to check the progress of the young patient and make changes if needed. Physical therapy aims to maintain or increase motor skills, develop or maintain transitional skills, prevent or reduce deformities, alleviate discomfort and irritability, and improve independence. As soon as the problem is detected, it is important to initiate the therapy to develop the child to sit, stand, and walk independently. Range of motion and ambulation must be emphasized especially when the child is already developing scoliosis and toe-walking. Shoe inserts may help with severe ankle pronation and arm/hand/elbow splints may be helpful to decrease stereotypic movements. Music therapy done by music therapists could help a lot to improve and restore the health of those with Rett syndrome. Music therapy is done to help develop communication, socialization, choice making and motor skills. Learning how to play musical instruments could help in the use of more purposeful movements of the hands. Also, it extends attention and concentration span and stimulates to establish eye contact. It promotes self-esteem and communication. There are other forms of therapy for Rett syndrome such as hydrotherapy and speech therapy. Hydrotherapy increases range of motion and reduces spasticity. It also helps in the restoration of health of muscles and nerves. Since speech is also impaired, speech therapy is important to promote better communication. Through this, they will be able to communicate their knowledge and feeling and increase socialization with their peers. Rett syndrome may not have a cure yet but people who have acquired this disease may still live their lives to the fullest with proper care and management.

Physiotherapy Treatment Tip #1 People with injuries tend to consult medical doctors and usually demand medication to alleviate pain. Though it brings temporary relief, the palliative effects of medicine only deals with the symptoms rather than the cause of the pain and would usually have addictive side effects. Therein lays the opportunity for physiotherapy. The intake of oral medications may be avoided is there are alternative ways of dealing with pain.

Physiotherapy Treatment Tip #2 Patients who are suffering from various muscular disorders, minor or major injuries resulting to some difficulty in movements and immobility as well as other conditions associated with pain may just benefit from myotheraphy. Assortments of methods are used to deal with pain with the goal of alleviating it or achieve its total elimination. In this type of physiotherapy, massage, electrical nerve stimulation, movement exercise, acupuncture, meditation and the application of hot or cold compress are some examples of the techniques which are being employed in treating a wide range of complaints.

Physiotherapy Treatment Tip #3 Physiotherapists must also work in tandem with the parents to ensure a strong support system. Parents need to urge their kids to be more mobile. They also have to be made aware of all that is entailed in the treatment procedure. They also have to understand fully that the development in their child’s condition will greatly depend on them.