can't exercise

[Guest guest]

hi, heather--

 

regular exercise of the proper kind should help most kinds of arthritis, but

since i don't know the specifics of your particular type, i don't know the

effects it would have on yours. however, there are some kinds of exercise that

are easier on the joints than others:

 

-cycling (perhaps using a recumbent bike to support your back; once you get

stronger, you can try an upright bike). you can also use a bicycle that is

pedaled by your arms instead of your feet. most physical therapists have

something like this in their offices; you can alo purchase mini-bikes for the

feet

or arms through physical therapy suppliers (try promedproducts.com).

-water exercises like swimming and water aerobics

 

it might be a good idea for you to get a swiss ball (a large, inflatable ball

used for exercising and strectching) that is about up to your knee in height.

first of all, you can sit on it instead of at a desk chair; this helps to

strengthen your back and abdominals. there are lots of low-impact exercises

you can do with it as well, such as wall squats (put the ball against a wall,

your back against the ball, and bend your knees as much as is comfortable; then

stand up again and repeat. try to get to the point where your thighs are

parallel to the floor). these sorts of things will strengthen the muscles

around your joints in order to make life easier and less painful for you. i

wish

you didn't live so far away-- i'd do a full session with you so you could have

a good arsenal of low-impact exercises!

 

anyway, hope this helps.

 

melody

 

 

 

 

http://www.melodysmusic.net

 

 

 

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 6/17/03 5:18:30 PM Eastern Daylight Time, Nadiana1

writes:

 

> i wish

> you didn't live so far away-- i'd do a full session with you so you could

> have

> a good arsenal of low-impact exercises!

>

 

I wish I didn't either. You gave me some really good ideas. I like the ball

thingy. I have a friend with one about the right size. I think I will

borrow it and give it a try before I buy one.

Thanks again,

 

heather in Ontario

 

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