There is good evidence that exercise can help slow and even reverse the loss of function caused by FSHD. Exercise is also essential for your overall fitness and health. While exercise probably does not reverse the disease process itself, it helps strengthen muscles that are still healthy. A physical or occupational therapist can guide you in figuring out targeted exercises, stretches, etc. to support the healthy muscles and develop ways of moving and carrying out daily functions that avoid causing muscle strain and pain. There is no one-size-fits-all solution, however. It takes research, persistence, and creativity to find a regimen that works for you and your body.
Resources
- Physical Therapy and Exercise for FSHD (pdf) was written by leading experts to help you and your physical therapist work as a team.
- Feeling Fit with FSHD Zooms meet twice a month on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays at noon. Register to get the link.
- Frank Hanley's Tai Chi resource page.
Scroll down to browse our videos and articles on Physical Therapy and Exercise.
Physical therapy and exercise blog posts
Women on Wellness (monthly Zoom)
By popular demand, we are launching our Women on Wellness Zoom support group starting on Wednesday, October 6. This meeting will take place on the first Wednesday of each month… Read More »
Dynamic Sitting – exercising in a seated position
Here are Dr. Nikia Stinson’s slides (ppt) Equipment List (downloadable) All of these are available on Amazon. Com and other online shopping sites.
Dave Younger’s exercise arsenal
by David Younger, Austin, Texas Over the past ten to fifteen years, I have developed an arsenal of products that I use to stay as healthy and active as possible…. Read More »
Staying Active While at Home
In this recorded webinar, Julie Hershberg, PT, DPT, NCS, presents evidence-based benefits or physical therapy and exercise for patients with facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD). Dr. Hershberg is a neurologic… Read More »
FSHD Warrior Pose [VIDEO]
by Faye Flatt, Ontario, Canada Yoga has always looked effortless to me and I enjoy watching the gentle movements from one pose and smooth transition to another. In my head… Read More »
Self-healing from muscular dystrophy
BY BEATRIZ NASCIMENTO, SAO PAOLO, BRAZIL I had some mild muscle weakness since childhood, but in my 20s everything was getting harder. I was constantly fatigued and stressed. By my… Read More »