CureDuchenne has announced a partnership with the Duchenne Therapy Network to provide training to physical therapists as well as families and caregivers to deliver specialized care to patients with Duchenne, which is a progressive muscle-wasting disease. A news release from CureDechenne notes that consistent physical therapy is an important piece of care for Duchenne patients to improve the quality and length of life for Duchenne patients. The partnership will include physical therapy training sessions, parent education materials, and online training videos for Duchenne families.

CureDuchenne and Duchenne Therapy Network is launching the new program with the following training sessions: San Jose, Calif, September 26 (physical therapist) and September 27 (parent); Phoenix, Ariz, October 17 (parent) and October 18 (physical therapist); and Toledo, Ohio, spring of 2015. The CureDuchenne news release indicates that additional sessions will be announced throughout the year.

The groups have also released their first educational video blog, which is the first in a series of informative videos on Duchenne-related topics. The first video released in the series demonstrates stretching techniques.

Jennifer Wallace, founder and president of Duchenne Therapy Network, says, “Physical therapy is critical for Duchenne patients in helping to develop a comprehensive plan of care that includes parent education, stretching programs and alternative activities to conserve energy and reduce damage to muscle cells.”

Wallace adds, “The partnership with CureDuchenne allows us to further our reach to educate more parents and physical therapists to meet the specific needs of the Duchenne community.”

Debra Miller, founder and CEO of CureDuchenne, states, “We are excited to partner with Jennifer Wallace and Duchenne Therapy Network to provide critical information and resources for the Duchenne community. With our partnership more physical therapists will be trained to work with Duchenne patients and more Duchenne parents and caregivers and will gain valuable information and insights.”

Source: CureDuchenne