The name facioscapulohumeral dystrophy comes from the muscles that are most commonly affected in people with FSHD.

Facio – face
Scapulo – back and shoulder
Humeral – upper arm

However, this is actually misleading. While some people may display this pattern of weakness it is not the same for all people with FSHD and for many people weakness may start in these areas and then progress to other areas such as the trunk, hips and legs.