Creative arts therapy is growing in popularity. From dance to music to art, the creative arts are used as an outlet in which to express emotions and a way in which to receive information that can alter mood and emotions. For many children, especially those with development disorders, the use of creative arts therapy has become a significant part of their healthcare program.

Children who suffer from congenital complications such as myotonic dystrophy are one such group that seems to realize a significant benefit from creative arts therapy. Because myotonic dystrophy leads to atrophy and degeneration of the muscle fibers, the use of music, dance, singing and art provide for an avenue in which to use fine and gross motor skills. In addition, these creative arts programs provide an outlet in which to express emotions and work on psychological matters.

For children with myotonic dystrophy, the muscle wasting often leads to profound loss in the quality of life. Using a simple set of floor drums, children with myotonic dystrophy can improve their strength and endurance in the muscle groups of the arms, torso, shoulders and chest. In addition to floor drums, many children with myotonic dystrophy engage in Latin dance which promotes hip movement and leg kicks, used to increase the integrity of muscle groups in the lower body.

Singing is a way in which many children with myotonic dystrophy can improve the loss of muscle strength in their face. Because facial muscle weakness is common in the child with myotonic dystrophy, the practice of singing a variety of familiar musical tunes can promote increased muscle tone and movement. In promoting facial movement, your child's speech patterns may be improved and feeding complications may be reduced.

Art therapy provides the child with myotonic dystrophy and opportunity to use fine motor skills. Engaging in pottery or painting, the use of fingers and hand movements are improved. Because painting with paint brushes, or even finger painting, require some fine motor skill, many children engage in these types of creative arts therapies beginning at a very young age.

As the parent of a child who has development myotonic dystrophy, you may know very well the long term impact of the disorder. Because there is currently no cure for this form of muscular dystrophy, using therapy and aggressive treatment will provide the most optimal outcome for your child. In addition to traditional therapies including speech, physical and psychotherapy, consider using the creative art therapies of art, music, dance and song to promote gross and fine motor movement of specific muscle groups.