Feeling Fit with FSHD: Postural Changes, Part 2

February 23, 2023

Ulrike Uta will join us to discuss the experiences of the February 9 exercise class and answering questions. We can revisit some exercises to discuss in more detail.

We all move in habitual, learned pattern.  Normally, we are not aware of our movement pattern and changing them can be challenging. Either because we can’t feel how we can activate different muscles or because muscles are too weak or inactive to work without some extra help.

We are looking at the approach of Physiotherapy treatments used by the Muscular Dystrophy Support Centre in Coventry.  The principle of mobilisation, realignment and activation creates awareness of changes to posture and muscle activity, aiming to optimize function and mobility.

About Ulrike Uta, Physiotherapist MSc, MCSP

Ulrike started training as a physiotherapist in Germany in 1987, followed by working in hospital and private settings. Her early career included work in orthopaedics, neurology, gynae and obstetrics and respiratory.
In 1998 Ulrike moved to the UK and after a family break, returned to work in 2002.

For the next 12 years she worked for the NHS at Solihull Hospital, specialising in Neurology. During this time, she developed a love for supporting people with long term conditions and helping them to maximise function and mobility.

Ulrike started a part-time Masters degree in Physiotherapy at Coventry University, focusing on the evidence behind neurological rehabilitation and service improvement. Her dissertation examined the experiences of people with neuromuscular conditions having aquatic therapy. After 4 years of study, she graduated with a first in 2016.

Ulrike joined the Muscular Dystrophy Support Centre (MD Support Centre) in Coventry as a Co lead Physiotherapist in 2014. She is involved in developing and delivering therapies at the MD Support Centre, including individual physiotherapy, exercise classes and aquatic therapy. She co-produced a guide for Physiotherapists treating adults with neuromuscular conditions. In an expanding therapy team, Ulrike delivers training sessions and support for old and new staff.

The MD Support Centre environment allows Ulrike to provide person- centred care and work hands on with service users, regularly and on a long-term basis. This has given her the opportunity to adapt and develop treatment techniques and approaches, aiming to optimise service users function and making huge differences to their lives.

About Feeling Fit with FSHD

For people living with FSHD who are interested in exercise and fitness, we meet on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of every month at 12:00 pm (noon) U.S. Eastern Time. Come dressed for exercise and have on hand any safety and assistive devices you need. Not every exercise is appropriate or safe for every individual, so please use your best judgement and consult your health care provider.

Please come prepared with a stable chair or stool (back of chair is optional). You can also choose to bring light weights ranging from 1lb to 5lb.

To sign up, click here.