10 everyday strategies for SMA treatment success
Last updated Oct. 21, 2025, by Susie Strachan
Cultivating daily strategies that support your spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) treatment goals can help support your health, comfort, and overall well-being.
Whether you’re living with SMA or caring for a child with the condition, these SMA treatment success tips can help you manage everyday life with the disease.
1. Stick to a consistent daily routine
A structured daily routine can help you conserve energy and keep therapies, school, and work on track. Consistent timing for medication, exercise, and rest can also help with managing fatigue.
Use calendars or alarms for regular activities. Over time, a predictable schedule can make daily tasks more manageable and reduce stress, helping you live well with SMA.
2. Prioritize physical comfort and positioning
Adjust your seating and mobility devices to help prevent strain.
Adaptive cushions and proper positioning in beds, wheelchairs, or car seats can help preserve energy and comfort. Devices like foam wedges or braces can provide extra stability during activities, supporting practical SMA management.
3. Incorporate gentle movement and stretching
Regular, gentle movement and stretching, guided by your healthcare team, can improve flexibility and reduce discomfort, and help you when coping with SMA day to day.
Even small range-of-motion exercises may help reduce the severity of contractures and improve joint mobility.
4. Create an accessible environment at home and school
Simple modifications, like clear pathways, reachable shelves, or adjustable desks, can help reduce barriers at home and school.
Installing ramps or grab bars and rearranging furniture at home can help prevent falls. At school, work with teachers to arrange accessible seating and accommodations for activities such as gym classes and field trips.
5. Support nutrition and hydration with planning
Smaller, balanced meals or snacks spaced throughout the day can help keep your energy steady and support a healthier SMA lifestyle. Focus on nutrient-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Sip fluids regularly using straws or adapted cups as needed.
If chewing or swallowing is difficult, talk with your care team about modifying food textures. Eating smaller portions and staying upright during and after meals may help reduce gastrointestinal reflux discomfort.
6. Use technology for communication and independence
Voice recognition software, adaptive keyboards, and mobility aids can help improve communication and movement.
Speech-to-text apps let you type or control devices hands-free. Adaptive keyboards or touchscreens can reduce effort, and power wheelchairs or scooters can extend your independence.
7. Build a strong support system
Your friends, family, teachers, and caregivers can form your support system, providing emotional encouragement and practical assistance. They can assist with appointments, transportation, and advocating for your needs at school or work.
8. Manage energy through pacing and rest breaks
Spread activities throughout the day and listen to your body’s energy cues. Schedule demanding tasks when you feel most energetic.
You may need rest before or after treatments or therapy sessions. Incorporate regular breaks, even short ones, and use reminders to pause and recharge.
9. Engage in enjoyable, adaptive activities
Exercises like swimming, biking, and yoga help maintain muscle flexibility and cardiovascular health, while creative arts like painting, drawing, music therapy, and writing provide expression and relaxation.
Virtual activities such as video gaming, virtual reality, and online social groups can connect you with others and stimulate your mind.
10. Focus on mental health and stress management
Caring for your mental well-being can help build emotional resilience. Journaling, meditation, or mindfulness exercises can provide an outlet for emotions. Professional counseling or therapy supports coping skills, while peer support groups allow connection with others facing similar challenges.
Integrating these SMA daily strategies can make life with the disorder more manageable. By creating a routine, using adaptive tools, and focusing on your well-being, you can enhance your independence, improve your quality of life, and support the success of your SMA treatment goals.
SMA News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
