Exercise with limitations~~~

[selmaS]

Hi...wondering what you can suggest for those of use with limitations as to what we can do physically....I have Chiari malformation and had surgery, still have balance issues and use a cane, also have tethered cord, so I have lower back pain and leg issues...and I also have Ehlers-Danlos hypermobility type so certain exercises are not good to do.
Most of us are aware we need to move, but find it very difficult.

Any suggestions?

[Michael Gonzalez-Wallace]

Exercise with limitations-Exercises to gain balance, motor coordination and strength

Hi there thanks so much for your interesting question and I can feel from your words that you are really committed to improve your health. I would love to help you!

There are always many ways where I can individualize my fitness program to make sure that every patient sees consistent results in balance, coordination and physical strength. I am fascinated with that part of the brain called the cerebellum which i am sure you are familiar and guess what? now latest studies are showing how we can improve plasticity in the cerebellum and also neurogenesis. As you may know the cerebellum is involved in many motor functions but especially in balance, coordination and motor planning so i would like to suggest few exercises for you and please let me know how you feel since I would love to help you:

- From a seated position: Raise opposite arm and leg to the side. Make sure you don't do any overhead movements. Do it five times each.

From a standing position and holding to a wall see if you can raise one foot from the floor and hold it for five seconds then change legs. Please make sure you are safe doing this exercise since you i am aware that you are using a cane. Like i said before there are many ways around where I can show you how to gain balance, motor coordination and strength but it is important that we set up a base.

Please let me know if these exercises are ok and I will suggest few more to help you gain motor coordination, balance and strength.

I hope this one helps!

[selmaS]

  Yes that is possible. Thanks...I wanted to make sure I am understanding ur instructions.

   "selma"

[Michael Gonzalez-Wallace]

Yes I was suggesting from a seated position not bending or standing up from the chair. So take the ball and once you are seated just throw and catch it. What do you think? Do you think that is possible?

[selmaS]

  Hi..thanks...

  Question for the next ones.From a seated position pick up a ball or a sponge and throw it up in the air and catch it. Do it ten times if you want more challenges throw it and clap before you catch it.

Are u suggesting bending to pick up the ball?from a sitting position...the reason I ask is many with chiari have issues bending, we get extreme headaches and dizzy.

SO far so good.

I also wanted to let u know I do own a stair stepper that I have not been able to get on in years and would love to work back to that.

I got it when I was dx'd with restrictive lung disease after an overexposure to pesticides.

   Thanks again for ur help

     "selma"

[Michael Gonzalez-Wallace]

I know and that is why we can find a way to improve cerebellar plasticity and make your body strong. I would add to those exercises one where you are seated and you raise one leg performing a similar motion to riding a bike. Do it ten times with one leg and then change legs.

Also other exercise I wanted to suggest for you has to do with agility. From a seated position pick up a ball or a sponge and throw it up in the air and catch it. Do it ten times if you want more challenges throw it and clap before you catch it.

Let me know if any of those help you

[selmaS]

  Hi...this sounds much better than nething else given to me so far. I will deff give this a try and let you  know how it goes.

I was told a recumbent bike would be good, but I do not have access to one.

Oh yes, I know all too well that the cerebellum and balance go hand and hand....I am the CL  of the Chiari forum here on MedHelp so I am always learning from new members too.

But, how we can exercise safely has eluded me for far too long.

  Thanks

  "selma"