From the FSH Society’s Facebook Q&A session with Julie Hershberg, PT, DPT, NCS. Hershberg is a Board Certified Neurologic Specialist. She practices at [re+active] physical therapy & wellness and is an instructor in Doctor of Physical Therapy program at USC.
Q. My husband has FSHD, and his shoulder blade is hanging on by the muscle by the clavicle and is on the verge of dislocating. He is constantly in pain, and stretching is difficult. Do you have any suggestions on this?
A. I recommend a couple of options: 1) evaluation by an orthopedic MD with consideration of surgical management; 2) evaluation by a PT. There are many people who prefer to avoid surgery, and there are some shoulder braces that can be helpful, but it is difficult to make a specific recommendation without analyzing his particular case. Non-surgical options using braces (scapular retraction orthosis) have provided limited benefit because the pressure needed to keep the scapula fixed is not tolerable for extended periods of time. It may be an option for specific actives or limited time periods only.
Q. What kind of shoes are good for people who have very high arches and the top of their foot has begun to arch?
A. Rather than a specific recommendation for shoes, I often recommend customized orthotics by a PT or podiatrist that people can wear in any shoe that can accommodate the high arch, provide support, and help avoid pain and injury.
Not a comment but a question. Can you point me to some of the research regarding FSH and strength training?