Myositis applies to a rare autoimmune condition in which the body attacks and inflames its own muscle tissue. Inclusion body myositis, or IBM, is a specific form of the disease that manifests with a slow progression and weakening of the muscles in the appendages for people over age 50, though it can occur earlier. IBM is associated with weak wrists and fingers, atrophy of the forearms and thighs and difficulty swallowing. Physical therapy can act as one part of a limited treatment plan for IBM.
Purpose
The physiological origins of inclusion body myositis are unknown, and it is generally resistant to most forms of treatment, although drugs and steroids may slow down the attack on the tissue. The goal of physical therapy is management of the symptoms. Forestalling the deterioration of the muscles and preventing permanent muscle shortening through exercise should help in many cases to maintain mobility long after the onset of the autoimmune disorder.
Exercises
After drug treatment has begun, your doctor may prescribe a program of regular exercises. These include gentle stretching to improve range of motion, resistance exercises such as chest and leg presses with a pulley machine and perhaps some low impact aerobic exercises such as swimming, cycling and walking at low intensity. Your doctor or therapist will make recommendations based upon the severity of the disease.
Study
Researchers once thought that exercise might further inflame the muscles in patients with myositis, but new studies are beginning to overturn those preconceptions. According to a 2002 study published in the "Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine" by researchers from Karolinska Hospital in Sweden, a home-based exercise program performed five days a week over a 12-week period, although it did not significantly improve strength, at least appeared to prevent a loss of muscle strength from disease or inactivity.
Considerations
Approach exercise with caution and safety. To help ease discomfort, your doctor may recommend using adaptive equipment for walking if the disease is advanced or analgesics to help relieve the pain. Exercise primarily focuses on the unaffected muscle groups that are still capable of enduring strenuous activity. This ensures that your present physical capacity and overall well being is maintained for as long as possible. Therapy also can teach people how to transfer between chairs, beds and wheelchairs if it becomes necessary.
References
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons; Myositis; July 2007
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke; NINDS Inclusion Body Myositis Information Page; April 2011
- "Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine; Sporadic Inclusion Body Myositis: Pilot Study on the Effects of a Home Exercise Program on Muscle Function, Histopathology and Inflammatory Reaction; Snjolaug Arnardottir, et al.; July 2002
- Muscular Dystrophy Ireland; Inclusion Body Myositis; Dr. S. Hammans; April 2008
