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Physical therapy can make all the difference in Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Physical therapy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy is unique and requires specific knowledge of the disorder to provide appropriate treatment. Treating a patient with Duchenne without the proper understanding of the disease puts the patient at risk of further muscle damage and function loss. When applied correctly, physical therapy treatment has the potential to improve the lives and slow the progression of some of the disease impairments. CureDuchenne welcomes you to use our programs and resources to stay up to date with Duchenne treatment.
CureDuchenne Physical Therapy Program
CureDuchenne offers a high level program of educational opportunities and resources for physical therapists and allied healthcare professionals who treat those with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Our goal is to help improve the lives of those living with Duchenne by advancing the knowledge of those who are treating them.
CureDuchenne offers many physical therapy related resources to help therapists help their patients and families. Please refer to these printable handouts (some available in Spanish) and informative videos for useful information from stretching to school accommodations and equipment selection.
CureDuchenne offers two distinct opportunities for physical therapists and other allied healthcare providers to receive up to date continuing education. Live courses are in person and held throughout the United States each year. The online version of this course holds all of the valuable information and can be taken at your own pace in any location.
If you have specific questions about treating patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, please contact our Physical Therapy team.
Jennifer Wallace Valdes, PT, draws from experience in pediatrics since 2002 with an emphasis in the muscular dystrophy population. She has been invited to present at Duchenne conferences and the Academy of Pediatric PT Annual conference, and has taught continuing education to healthcare professionals since 2009. She is the owner of Duchenne Therapy Network. She continues to practice and provide evaluation, treatment and consultations for those with Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy.
Contact: jennifer@cureduchenne.org
Doug Levine, PT, is the owner of Growing Places Therapy Services, PLLC. A physical therapist since 1997, he has primarily focused on pediatrics and Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Since 2006, Growing Places has served over 500 children and their families, providing pediatric physical, occupational and speech therapies in the home, school and daycare settings.
Contact: doug@cureduchenne.org
CureDuchenne Certified Physical Therapists™ will receive training on the most current standards of care. Skills will be maintained through ongoing interaction with the CureDuchenne Physical Therapy Team and annual recertification requirements. The network of CureDuchenne Certified Physical Therapists™ will have the resources they need to provide the best standard of care to their patients. The Duchenne community will have access to quality care with designated CureDuchenne Certified Physical Therapists™ in their area.
CureDuchenne Certified Physical Therapists™ will:
- Receive ongoing training from the CureDuchenne Physical Therapy team
- Receive patient referrals from CureDuchenne
- Be designated as Certified on www.CureDuchenne.org which families regularly access
- Be recognized by patients and health care professionals as a uniquely qualified provider
- Display the CureDuchenne Certified Physical Therapist™ seal for their site, email signature, and materials to demonstrate certification
- Be part of a large network of therapists – for collaboration and consultation
- Be introduced to new families and other local Cure Duchenne Certified Physical Therapists™
- Receive notifications of upcoming conferences and courses of interest
CureDuchenne Certified Physical Therapist™ Certification Process and Requirements
Course and Exam
- Complete online or in-person “Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: Current understanding and treatment” course
- Pay $50 fee for Certification application
- Read research materials provided by CureDuchenne
- Pass Certification exam with 80% accuracy or better
Required Document Submissions
- Submit resume and/or curriculum vitae
- Proof of state licensure and in good standing
- Proof of liability insurance (for clinic owners and independent contractors)
- Statement of Duchenne experience, current status and goals for increasing breadth of treatment for Duchenne and outreach to Duchenne community
Annual Recertification Requirements
The following list constitutes the minimum standard to maintain the designation of CureDuchenne Certified Physical Therapist™ annually.
- Records: Notify CureDuchenne of any updates to contact information and current status of PT license
- Webinars: Each Certified Physical Therapist™ will be required to attend 2 of the 4 webinars per calendar year.
- Research articles: Each Certified Physical Therapist™ will be required to read 2 of the 4 research articles that are sent and submit answers to the quiz questions within allotted timeframe provided by CureDuchenne .
To view a current list of CureDuchenne Certified Physical Therapists™ CLICK HERE
For more information contact Education@CureDuchenne.org
