Use Exercise to Treat Multiple Sclerosis
The benefits of exercise in people with multiple sclerosis are well documented. Exercise can enhance muscle strength, breathing, balance, bone density and general fitness. Exercise can also improve bladder and bowel function, common problems in multiple sclerosis. A well designed exercise plan can ultimately improve the overall outlook and quality of life.
Instructions
1. Be realistic. Assess mobility and fatigue patterns. Integrate exercise into customary activities. Some exercises can be done in the kitchen while waiting for food to cook. Others can be done while watching television or before getting out of bed. Begin with only one or two exercises and a few repetitions.
2. Try exercises in the horizontal position. Exercise on a firm mattress or carpeted floor. Examples include knee to chest raises, buttocks raises, arm raises and the pelvic tilt.
3. Exercise in the seated position. Exercise in a wheelchair at the kitchen table. Place the palms on a dish towel. Slide it forward across the table to stretch the arms. Use a roll of plastic or foil wrap to do wrist and arm curls. Take deep breaths while sitting to exercise the abdomen. This can improve posture, which is often weakened in multiple sclerosis.
4. Kneel on hands and knees for additional exercise. Extend one arm or leg. Eventually work up to extending an arm and the opposite leg. Exercise abdominal muscles by pulling them in while kneeling.
5. Perform exercises in the vertical position if mobility permits. Place a chair nearby to hold. Keep the knee straight while raising the leg forward, behind and to the side. Try exercises to maintain balance without the chair. Place the feet close together and stand. Repeat with one foot in front of the other.
6. Build up gradually. Master two exercises with four repetitions each and repeat daily. Assess fatigue before adding other exercises to treat multiple sclerosis. Add only one new exercise over a three day period.
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