At Shriners Children's, our unique team of specialists provides the highest quality neuromuscular care for your child.

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a rare genetic disorder that damages and weakens the muscles over time. This is the most common type of muscular dystrophy, and according to the Muscular Dystrophy Association, Duchenne muscular dystrophy affects approximately one in 5,000 live male births. It is estimated that about 20,000 children are diagnosed with Duchenne globally each year.

Learning to support your child with DMD can be challenging for you as a caregiver. Please rest assured that our physicians and care team are unmatched when it comes to managing your child's symptoms associated with DMD. The goal is to slow the course of this disease and to maximize your child's function. Our physical and occupational therapists are specially trained to care for children with neuromuscular conditions, with a focus on improving range of motion and skills to make everyday tasks easier. We also have in-house orthotic and prosthetic specialists who can assist with the creation and adjustment of braces as your child grows for additional support.

Your family is the most important part of our team, and we will be here every step of the way to provide support and answer any questions you have.

Specific treatments and services may vary by location. Please contact a specific location for more information.

A 90-minute drive is nothing in the grand scheme of things, especially if it ensures our child is getting the best care possible.
Dulce, Albany, NY
Paciente utilizando su prótesis color naranja con morado quitando figuras de un juego de árbol

More than Measurements and Mechanics

With every brace, artificial limb and adaptive device we design and fabricate, there's the story of a child. Our patients want to feel comfortable and to look good; to play with friends and to be active. Our accredited orthotic and prosthetic specialists make that happen.

Services We Provide

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Pediatric Orthotic and Prosthetic Services (POPS)

Shriners Children’s Pediatric Orthotic and Prosthetic Services (POPS) designs, fits and manufactures orthotics and prosthetics for children from infants to young adults.

Motion Analysis

The specialists in Shriners Children’s motion analysis centers collect and analyze movement-related data, like gait analysis, to help treat children with neuromuscular, acquired or congenital disorders.

Speech Therapy

The speech therapy services available to patients at Shriners Children’s benefit children from birth through adolescence who have difficulties with communication and swallowing.

Neuromuscular Scoliosis

Neuromuscular scoliosis, seen in children who have medical conditions that impair their ability to control the spine-supporting muscles, is the second most common type of scoliosis. Shriners Children's has seen tens of thousands of children with neuromuscular scoliosis.

Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapists at Shriners Children's help kids be as independent as possible, focusing on what is important to them and what they love to do in their daily lives.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy at Shriners Children's helps children build confidence and strength, focusing on what is important to them and what they love to do in their daily lives.

Interpreter Services

Interpretive services are important to make sure you understand your child’s care. At Shriners Children's, we have Spanish interpreters and other translation services, free of charge.

Next Steps

Request an Appointment

Families and caregivers seeking treatment should start by contacting us for an appointment.

Log in to the Patient Portal

Parents and guardians of existing patients can email, request records, schedule appointments and more.

Refer a Patient

Physicians and healthcare providers can request appointments, start transfers or contact us with questions.