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Muscle Disorders Clinic

The Muscle Disorders Clinic cares for children with certain genetic muscular dystrophies and myopathies that affect muscle structure and function.

The Muscle Disorders Clinic at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital cares for children with certain genetic muscle conditions called muscular dystrophies and myopathies. This clinical program is part of the Center for Experimental Neurotherapeutics (CENT) Clinical Program.

Learn about neurological disorders care at St. Jude.

The Muscle Disorders Clinic helps move the most promising and advanced experimental therapies from the lab to the clinic.

We focus on muscular dystrophies and myopathies such as:

Patients in the Muscle Disorders Clinic can take part in clinical research, including clinical trials. These studies help researchers understand how these conditions change over time and how to measure if a therapy works. Our goal is to create new therapies that target the genetic cause of these conditions.

Services we provide

In the Muscle Disorders Clinic, your child may see experts in:

St. Jude works with Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital to provide care for some patients with neurological disorders. Your child may get some of their care at Le Bonheur. 

Your Muscle Disorders Clinic team

The Muscle Disorders Clinic is co-led by Richard Finkel, MD, and Daniel Guillen Mendoza, MD, along with a team of other experts in genetic neurological diseases.

The Muscle Disorders Clinic team includes:

  • A neurologist: reviews your child’s medical history, performs a physical exam, and may recommend more tests
  • A physical therapist: checks strength, balance, flexibility, and coordination
  • A gait and mobility specialist: studies your child’s movement and their ability to do daily activities
  • A patient coordinator: helps with records and follow-up after a patient’s visit
  • Research nurses: help your child understand and take part in research
  • Study coordinators: help manage clinical research activities

Depending on your child’s needs, you may also see a nurse navigator, child life specialist, social worker, psychologist, and rehabilitation specialists.

What to expect during your visit

In the Muscle Disorders Clinic, your child will:

  • Meet with experts in muscular dystrophies and myopathies, neurology, genetics, and physical therapy
  • Complete a developmental assessment if needed
  • Take tests to check mobility, balance, and motor skills 

Other possible tests include:

  • Muscle ultrasounds to test the quality of your child’s muscle
  • Lab work such as blood or skin samples

If your child joins a clinical trial, the care team will explain all study activities before they begin.

Your Muscle Disorders Clinic team will discuss care recommendations with you in detail. Please ask any questions you have at any time.

Learn more