YoungWithMS.com

Exercise and MS

8th March, 2010 - Posted by YoungWithMS - No Comments

A paramount interest to many people with MS is exercise– which is a very real physical stress. Research indicates that moderate exercise increase their feeling of well-being and self-confidence, and also improves–albeit modestly–strength and cardiovascular conditioning. There are different types of exercise that may help. In range-of-motion exercises, the arms and legs are moved through the full range of the joints’ motion, to prevent muscle shortening and contractures (joint immobilization). If necessary, get someone to assist you with these stretching exercises. Aerobic exercise–such as walking, stationary bicycling and swimming–may also be useful. Consult your neurologist before deciding what’s best for you. Try to avoid getting overheated during exercise; a cool bath before and after helps, or swimming in a cool pool rather than a warm one. You can buy special cooling vests, but they are rather costly, they usually cost $300.00 to $1000.00 depending on the options you want. Maybe you are asking yourself how far you should go? The answer is to the point of fatigue but not exhaustion. If you are more than usually tired the day after exercise, you’ve gone too far. The more advanced your MS, the more moderate the exercise should be. Of course, there is a great psychological benefit in feeling that, by exercising, you are taking charge of your health and doing something good and yourself. On the other hand, overestimating the benefits the benefits of exercise may lead to disappointment and a feeling of failure. Moderate exercise is a good thing but it will not determine whether you have “good, medium or bad” MS. Keep moving, but don’t overdo it. Take Care and God Bless.

Smiles, Jennifer

Youngwithms