Muscular Dystrophy: Treatment Outcomes

Clinical Achievements in Muscular Dystrophy

At our clinic, we have seen significant progress in the treatment of various types of muscular dystrophy.

The following results include improvements in muscle strength and muscle mass across these conditions:

  • Myotonic Dystrophy
  • Becker Muscular Dystrophy
  • Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy (FSHD)
  • Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD)
  • Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy (LGMD)
  • Fukuyama Congenital Muscular Dystrophy

In addition, measurable improvements in muscle strength have been observed in:

  • Ullrich Congenital Muscular Dystrophy
  • Miyoshi Myopathy
  • Distal Myopathies

Examples of Improvement

Myotonic Dystrophy

Female, 30s (Approx. 700 sessions)

  • Significant improvements within about 4 months:
    • Reduced myotonia symptoms
    • Increased grip strength
    • Increased muscle mass
  • 15-minute core muscle therapy resulted in improved torso rotation
  • Improvement in thumb stiffness
  • Enhanced leg strength for walking (notably in high-knee stepping after 15-minute treatment)

Male, 30s (Approx. 200–300 sessions)

  • Myotonia symptoms improved after 8 treatment sessions

Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy (FSHD)

Female, 20s (from Malaysia)

  • After 7 weeks (3 sessions per week):
    • Gained ability to lift her left leg using gluteal muscles while keeping it extended

  • After 6 weeks (3 sessions per week):
    • Facial muscle mass increased, resulting in more expressive facial movement and improved lip shape
    • Muscle mass in arms and shoulders increased, improving mobility

Lip shape change confirmed between February 28 and April 4

Patient from the U.S.

  • A rare case showing improvements in both muscle mass and strength — currently only observed at our clinic.
  • Clients now travel from overseas to receive treatment.

Progress Timeline:

  • After 2 weeks of FSHD treatment
  • After 3, 4 (1 month), 5, 6, and 7 weeks of treatment

Patient testimonial:

“I came from the U.S. hoping for results—and I got more than I imagined. It was an incredible experience. My right arm regained function, and my left arm also improved. The staff were kind and helpful. Thank you all so much!”

Screenshot

Patient’s father:

“Adam returned home a month early. The results achieved during his stay are real. It’s not an exaggeration to call it a miracle.”

Screenshot

From his mother (on a video post):

“Adam! You’ve improved so much! I’m so happy to see your progress.”
His father (with Japanese translation):
“Thank you for what you’ve done for my son.”

Screenshot

Female, 20s

  • 1 session/week for ~6 months:
    • Regained ability to lift her leg while keeping it straight using her glutes
    • Previously unable to lift the leg at all; now able to lift and hold it

Male, 50s

  • 1 month of treatment:
    • Improved upper arm strength and smoother elbow bending

Male, 30s

  • Several sessions:
    • Regained ability to bend upper arms, which hadn’t moved for 5–6 years while bedridden

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD)

Male, 8–9 years old (without steroids)

  • Age 8–10 is a critical period with rapid functional decline, often leading to loss of walking ability
  • This patient has maintained better function than at age 8

1 session/week:

  • After 3 months:
    • Improved stability and fewer falls
  • After 6 months:
    • Even faster walking and improved posture compared to month 5
  • After 8 months:
    • No signs of disease progression; actually better than 6 months ago
    • Fewer falls, increased walking speed
    • Able to climb steps unaided for the first time
  • After 12 months:
    • Despite the age range where severe decline typically occurs, he has remained stable
    • Previously fell dozens of times per day; now only once per week at most

Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy (LGMD)Female, 30s

  • Easier to raise both arms
  • Improved ability to dry hair, reach for items, and reduce fatigue

Distal Myopathy

Female, 30s

  • Unable to visit regularly; showed improvement after a single trial session
  • Squatting and standing became easier
  • While still needing arm support, improved leg strength led to smoother balance and motion

Becker Muscular DystrophyMale, 10 years old

Thigh strengthening (30-minute session):

Improved stability in squats; reduced knee wobbling

Glutes, hamstrings, thigh strengthening (20–30 minutes):

Could not hold bridge pose in PE class; post-treatment, gained ability to do so

Forearm function (5–10 minutes):

Improved grip and finger movement following muscle weakness

Tongue function (20 minutes):

Enhanced movement (up/down, side-to-side), improved speech and swallowing

Thigh muscle mass increase (biweekly sessions over ~1.5 months):

Right thigh: +3.9 cm (34.0 → 37.9 cm)

Left thigh: +3.8 cm (34.0 → 37.8 cm)
(Measured at midpoint between pelvis and knee)