Yoga for FSHD

Living with FSHD often means learning to build a tool kit of strategies that support both body and mind. For many people, yoga, meditation, and breathwork can be meaningful additions to that tool kit—offering gentle, adaptable practices that promote relaxation, reduce stress, and support overall well-being. 

One of the greatest strengths of meditation is its flexibility. It can be practiced almost anywhere, in sessions lasting just five to twenty minutes, making it easy to fit into daily life. Research continues to show that meditation offers well-documented benefits, including helping reduce stress and promote a greater sense of calm and focus. When practiced regularly, even for a few minutes at a time, meditation can become a simple yet powerful way to bring these positive effects into everyday routines. 

Yoga breathing, also known as breathwork, is another accessible practice that can be tailored to individual needs. There are many different breathing techniques, each designed to support relaxation and enhance lung capacity. Because yoga breathing is so flexible, it can be adapted for a wide range of abilities and comfort levels, giving individuals options that work for their own bodies and circumstances. 

Another practice worth exploring is Yoga Nidra, a guided meditation often done in Shavasana, or a supine resting position. Sometimes called “psychic sleep,” Yoga Nidra uses guided imagery to help bring the body and mind into a profound state of deep relaxation. For many people, it offers an accessible path to experience the restorative benefits often associated with yoga, without requiring strenuous movement. 

Importantly, yoga and meditation can be accessible to anyone, regardless of where they are in their FSHD journey. These practices can be adapted for wheelchair users, individuals with limited mobility, and even those who are bedridden. Chair yoga, breathwork, and guided meditation all offer ways to participate safely and comfortably, meeting people where they are. 

The FSHD Society has long recognized the value of these practices and has offered many yoga sessions—including chair yoga—through its Feeling Fit program. Thanks to the dedication of Kathy Senecal and Donna Russo, two of the Society’s volunteer leaders, community members have had opportunities to participate in supportive group sessions designed with accessibility in mind. 

Now, through the FSHD Navigator program, Kathy and Donna will also be available to offer one-on-one sessions for interested participants. These sessions can provide a safe, comfortable environment to explore practices that may support relaxation, breathing, and overall wellness. 

Whether you are new to yoga and meditation or looking to deepen an existing practice, these approaches may offer another source of support on your journey with FSHD. Any or all of these practices could be a valuable addition to your disease management tool kit.