exercise or anything that might help your body move

[meg321]

Hi, i think we may have talked about this before but I am feeling that I really need to move more, my body needs something and dont think i can wait for a dx's.  I am not thinking about lifting weights either or even close.  I just find that I am in the house too much and its so easy to just lie around.  I did do the treafmill at the lowest speed for a few minutes this morning and that wore me out..what a wimp I have become..lol

Would appreciate some input or suggestions from anyone...

thanks, meg

[Lulu54]

Meg,
When you are looking into massage you might want to investigate a couple different methods we have experimented with-

POSITIONAL RELEASE  - very gentle contact with pressure points until the muscles actually relax. very amazing technique

CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY -here's what Wiki says

"By gently working with the spine, the skull and its cranial sutures, diaphragms, and fascia, the restrictions of nerve passages are said to be eased, the movement of cerebrospinal fluid through the spinal cord can be optimized, and misaligned bones are said to be restored to their proper position. Craniosacral therapists use the therapy to treat mental stress, neck and back pain, migraines, TMJ Syndrome, and for chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia."  - of course it is all unproved scientifically but worth looking into- it can't hurt anything and this therapy can be done with your clothes ....

LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE - again from the web - "Manual Lymphatic Drainage is a form of massage that stimulates the lymphatic system with gentle massaging strokes. The light rhythmical massage encourages the lymphatic system to eliminate metabolic waste products, excess fluid and bacteria. "

If you notice, none of my massage treatments resemble Swedish massage or any technique that involves working the deep tissue and muscles.  I have stayed away from that thinking it might aggravate my spasticity rather than give relief.


Here is Ohio we are fortunate that our Medical Board licenses massage therapists.  There are varying levels at which a person is licensed and it makes a big difference as to who you let work on your body.  That is not the case in most other states.

Even if none of these therapies are scientifically grounded, no one can argue the benefits of gentle touch to the human body, mind and soul.  

Let me know how it works out for you,
Lulu

[doni54]

Hi Meg,

I was such an active person before the symptoms took over and like you, I now spend way too much time indoors.

I'm glad Laura talked about the tai chi as that is something I've read about and want to try.  I had a swimming pool up until this spring, but my fatigue was so bad and arms and legs so weak I just never could get much benefit from it.

Good luck finding what will work for you, let me know, maybe I'll try it!!!

doni

[meg321]

Thanks, i am really thinking of massage therapy.  The one problem with a gym is I cant get up early enough to go and I just won't go later in the day.  What i really wanted to do was water aerobics but because my dizziness makes me want to fall over in the water. I had a good friend who taught it it here too. Icant swim but it doesnt keep me from water aerobics and i love them too.

I have not thought about Tai Chi,but sounds like a good idea.  But i would like todothe massage, and i know a couple who does it and recently they have been studiying about different diseases in regards to massage therapy.  I will talk to them about it.

Thanks for the thoughts..meg

[Lulu54]

Meg,
I forgot to mention I quit the treadmill when I realized my foot drop and lack of coordination made it a dangerous piece of machinery for me to operate.

[Lulu54]

Hi Meg,
I am missing my exercise while classes are on break.  I take Tai Chi (relax, breathe and move is our mantra!) twice a week and swim on the other days and do water aerobics.

The Tai Chi is a concentrated exercise and it is extremely relaxing as well - no chance of working up a sweat and overheating.  It is very good for the balance . lot of the moves required weight shifting from one leg to the other which strengthens the brain to legs connections I think.

Swimming is excellent because you don't overheat while in the pool.  Plus it is not a weight bearing exercise so you have less likelihood of hurting your body.  

Gym memberships can be costly but perhaps a Y membership would be affordable?  OR check with your local MS chapter - I think almost all of them have some sort of water exercise class that they sponsor or can suggest.  

I get massage therapy every three weeks. It costs about $70/hour but is worth every dollar.  My therapist has workedwith me since April, 5 months before my DX.  I started seeing her before I had even thought about my aches and pains being MS.   I credit her with keeping me upright and moving.  Unfortunately insurance doesn't cover this for me.  It is an indulgence I feel I can't do without.  

Whatever you decide to do, please remember to start out in moderation and see how your body reacts.  And talk to your doctor too for other suggestions.

Be well,
lulu

[meg321]

or maybe even massage, if it was not so expensive, but maybe not real often...ifi were diagnosed maybe my insurance might cover it.  And down the line I could talk with my DR

anyway...

meg