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Exercise to maintain strength and flexibility and reduce stiffness
<div dir=”ltr”>Prior to ALS (diagnosed in May 2022), exercise– tennis, hiking, bicycling, swimming, etc.– was always a very important part of my life. Now I get fatigued on the shortest of walks– and that’s with a walker. My quadriceps in particular seem quite weak, which I suspect is the main reason I’m so dependent on a walker. My “go to” physical activities these days are stretching and yoga. I like that these don’t sap my limited daily store of energy too much. For those of you who still can get around on your legs without a walker, do have suggestions of exercises, stretches, etc. to maintain as much as possible leg strength and flexibility and reduce stiffness?</div>
<div dir=”ltr”>Mark</div>
<div dir=”ltr”>Sunnyvale, CA</div> -
11 Replies
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Hello, what type of stretches do you practice and what results have you observed?
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KICO and Mark – – I have found that traditional “stretch-ing” is of no help in maintaining my muscle strength & coordination. Instead, I do movements that take my joints through their full range of motion. Rather than holding in a stretched position, I gently move into it and out for several repetitions. I also focus on simple movements that increase my leg strength – – such as chair squats https://alsandwellness.blogspot.com/2020/02/the-power-of-just-one-chair-squat.html , these help me walk better.
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<font style=”vertical-align: inherit;”><font style=”vertical-align: inherit;”>yo me siento muy bien con la fisioterapia, me ayuda a mantenerme caminando</font></font>
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My physical therapist makes me move muscles that I rarely move, such us neck, Arms, shoulder. I feel little pain. Then she give me a massage. After the therapy I feel with more energy and strengh. For me, moving/exercise muscles is very important
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I find exercising in a very warm pool helps me more than anything. I have severe pain from another condition so walking is out of the question. It’s also very nice to get out in the sun. At night I do gentle stretches and meditate.
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Hello,
May I ask, do you have a feeding tube and if so is it ok to swim with one?
Lisa
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Hi. I can no longer stand and get in a pool or on the floor Does anybody have ideas on what to do with limited mobility. Right arm is very weak too. So I can not use exercise bands anymore
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Hi Caroline
I have severe weakness on my left arm (I cant move it), and my shoulder and neck (always I use a neck collar). My PT hold those weakness areas and slowly move it. I feel how the muscles are moving and make me feel good. I think the important is keeping moving the muscles by yourself or someone else.
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Hi Caroline, have you tried “chair or seated exercises” ? Or, therapeutic movements while lying in bed? There are many helpful videos on YouTube.
My mornings begin with several minutes of exercise-movement while I’m still lying in bed. Knees-to-chest, twisting, rolling over, etc.
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Hi total agree exercise is good. I am in my 9th year since being diagnosed with ALS, my initial thought was to maintain my weight, extra calories, vitamins, etc.. I was convinced by the medical team to have a PEG fitted early and it has helped with water intake (1 litre a day via PEG + 1 litre of drinks). At first I exercised a lot but noticed tightness in muscles, I was prescribed muscle relaxants, but they generally loosen all muscles and stopped me walking altogether. With guidance I then moved to a combination of medication and physio therapy. I go to my private physio once a week and my amazing wife releases my tight muscles everyday. My ability to exercise has reduced overtime but I can still stand and walk short distances with a walker. Please remember everyone has a different journey through MND.
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Sounds like you have found a good way to help your body maintain its functional abilities.
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