Passive Exercise Machines Make A LOT of Sense...
Posted: Wed Jul 17, 2019 11:19 am
Exercise for those who are healthy is important to maintain good health.
When you are ill, exercise becomes significantly more important to maintain the best health possible.
If you are like me, and have developed a limp, it is especially important to work the muscles that are not functioning correctly regularly and also keep your other muscles in good order. This may help slow down muscle loss and reduce limping.
There is a saying "Use it or loose it", which means that if you don't continue to practice or use an ability, you might lose that ability. For many of us, minor disability is common and possibly affects the overall progression of disability and although major disability is not as prevalent, it is still a big concern for many and is certainly on my mind. As we are all aware, MS typically progresses over time, and typically so does disability. Swelling also becomes an issue, especially in the feet/ankles for someone that has lost mobility. Even with minor disability or as disability increases, exercising becomes more difficult and a lot less desirable.
The majority of those who take a proactive approach to their MS include a lot of exercise! Disability can obviously advance no matter what we do, and exercise is certainly not 'the cure'. And certainly there are those who don't exercise and still do well. But typically if we exercise less, disability can become increasingly worse, possibly accelerated because of the inability to exercise or exercise adequately. Muscles need to be used as they were intended to be used as much as possible or they atrophy. It is a catch 22 situation. The importance of moving our muscles and joints often and regularly should not be underestimated.
Fortunately, there are many very affordable and simple to use, safe, passive exercise machines available, and the best news is that many of them are relatively inexpensive. Some highly desirable ones certainly cost less than the cost of 1 or 2 PT sessions. These machines can help keep your muscles and joints flexible, can increase circulation and soothe pain as well. And help reduce/eliminate swelling. These devices can also help stimulate healthier blood flow. And since you basically just sit or lie down while using these devices, and they do all the work, they are easy and safe for anyone to use.
I invested on one a week ago for my feet/legs and am already seeing minor improvements. I just ordered another type of passive machine, targeted more to my upper leg areas (thighs/hips) but it swings your whole body and is supposed to creates a wave-like motion at the ankles that moves up the legs and spine increasing blood flow and circulation, reduce stress, give you more restful sleep, increased energy levels, and provides an overall revitalization. It moves your legs side to side rather than forward and back like the original one I posted about here:
viewtopic.php?f=35&t=31048
Wish I had know about these years ago.
So remember, use it or loose it!
When you are ill, exercise becomes significantly more important to maintain the best health possible.
If you are like me, and have developed a limp, it is especially important to work the muscles that are not functioning correctly regularly and also keep your other muscles in good order. This may help slow down muscle loss and reduce limping.
There is a saying "Use it or loose it", which means that if you don't continue to practice or use an ability, you might lose that ability. For many of us, minor disability is common and possibly affects the overall progression of disability and although major disability is not as prevalent, it is still a big concern for many and is certainly on my mind. As we are all aware, MS typically progresses over time, and typically so does disability. Swelling also becomes an issue, especially in the feet/ankles for someone that has lost mobility. Even with minor disability or as disability increases, exercising becomes more difficult and a lot less desirable.
The majority of those who take a proactive approach to their MS include a lot of exercise! Disability can obviously advance no matter what we do, and exercise is certainly not 'the cure'. And certainly there are those who don't exercise and still do well. But typically if we exercise less, disability can become increasingly worse, possibly accelerated because of the inability to exercise or exercise adequately. Muscles need to be used as they were intended to be used as much as possible or they atrophy. It is a catch 22 situation. The importance of moving our muscles and joints often and regularly should not be underestimated.
Fortunately, there are many very affordable and simple to use, safe, passive exercise machines available, and the best news is that many of them are relatively inexpensive. Some highly desirable ones certainly cost less than the cost of 1 or 2 PT sessions. These machines can help keep your muscles and joints flexible, can increase circulation and soothe pain as well. And help reduce/eliminate swelling. These devices can also help stimulate healthier blood flow. And since you basically just sit or lie down while using these devices, and they do all the work, they are easy and safe for anyone to use.
I invested on one a week ago for my feet/legs and am already seeing minor improvements. I just ordered another type of passive machine, targeted more to my upper leg areas (thighs/hips) but it swings your whole body and is supposed to creates a wave-like motion at the ankles that moves up the legs and spine increasing blood flow and circulation, reduce stress, give you more restful sleep, increased energy levels, and provides an overall revitalization. It moves your legs side to side rather than forward and back like the original one I posted about here:
viewtopic.php?f=35&t=31048
Wish I had know about these years ago.
So remember, use it or loose it!