Connect with others who understand.

  •   Learn from expert-reviewed resources
  •   Real advice from people who’ve been there
  •   People who understand what you’re going through
Sign Up Log In
All Resources Treatments A-Z Personal Assistant Help Center Crisis
Powered By
Real members of myMDteam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

What arm and shoulder exercises are good for FSHD?

A myMDteam Member asked a question 💭
Charleston, SC
November 20, 2025
 · 
Reactions
A myMDteam Member

I often roll my shoulders back and forth. Both directions for a little bit. Kinda like a bicycle pedaling motion, but with your shoulders. I also try to scrunch my shoulders up to my ears. Any movement helps me to not stiffen up and be less achy. I often dance with my shoulders, upper body when my music is on. That's fun! I also do my neck stretching exercises slowly in every direction. That helps since it's connected to the shoulders. Also, twisting your torso slowly as far to the right ss you can and to the left as fa as you can. Hope this helps. I've been through so much therapy all my life. Keeping joints moving and stretched is best. Take care!

May 29
myMDteam

What arm and shoulder exercises are recommended for FSHD muscular dystrophy?

For FSHD, physical therapy and light to moderate exercise are generally recommended to help maintain flexibility, range of motion, and muscle strength without overworking your muscles.

The main focus should be on
- Aerobic exercise
- Gentle strength Show Full Answer

What arm and shoulder exercises are recommended for FSHD muscular dystrophy?

For FSHD, physical therapy and light to moderate exercise are generally recommended to help maintain flexibility, range of motion, and muscle strength without overworking your muscles.

The main focus should be on:
- Aerobic exercise
- Gentle strength training
- Stretching to improve flexibility

It's really important to work with a physical therapist who specializes in muscular dystrophy. They can create a personalized exercise plan that's safe for your specific situation and show you the proper way to do exercises.

Low-resistance exercise is typically recommended rather than heavy resistance training. While resistance training may not increase muscle size, it could help maintain the strength you still have and keep you active.

Before starting any new exercise routine, talk to your doctor or physical therapist first. They'll help determine which exercises are right for you based on your type of FSHD, how it's progressing, and your current stage.

November 20, 2025
A myMDteam Member

Thanks

May 31

Related Questions

View All

What exercises are good for FSHD?

A myMDteam Member asked a question 💭
Charleston, SC
November 16, 2025

What Is FSHD? How It Affects Your Smile, Posture, and More
8 Swallowing and Breathing Exercises for Muscular Dystrophy
8 Muscular Dystrophy Exercises To Try at Home: Stretching and More
Continue with Facebook
Continue with Google
By joining, you accept our Terms of Use, and acknowledge our collection, sharing, and use of your data in accordance with our Health Data and Privacy policies.
Already a member? Log In