Is it advisable to do exercise when affected by Transverse myelitis? Which activities would you suggest and how intense should they be?

See if it is advisable for people with Transverse myelitis to practice sports and which ones are the most recommended if you have Transverse myelitis

Exercise Recommendations for Transverse Myelitis

Transverse myelitis is a neurological condition that affects the spinal cord, causing inflammation and damage to the nerve fibers. It can result in various symptoms such as weakness, numbness, pain, and difficulty with coordination and balance. Engaging in regular exercise can be beneficial for individuals with transverse myelitis, but it is important to approach it with caution and follow certain guidelines.

Benefits of Exercise

Exercise can have several positive effects on individuals with transverse myelitis:

Improved strength and mobility: Regular exercise can help strengthen muscles, improve flexibility, and enhance overall mobility.

Pain management: Certain exercises and physical activities can help alleviate pain associated with transverse myelitis.

Enhanced cardiovascular health: Engaging in aerobic exercises can improve heart health and overall fitness.

Mental well-being: Exercise has been shown to boost mood, reduce stress, and improve overall mental well-being.

Exercise Recommendations

When considering exercise with transverse myelitis, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional or physical therapist who can provide personalized recommendations based on your specific condition and abilities. However, here are some general exercise guidelines:

1. Low-Impact Aerobic Exercises

Low-impact aerobic exercises are gentle on the joints and can help improve cardiovascular fitness without putting excessive strain on the body. Some suitable options include:

Walking

Stationary biking

Swimming or water aerobics

Elliptical training

Start with shorter durations and gradually increase the time as tolerated. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week, spread across several days.

2. Strength Training

Strength training exercises can help improve muscle strength and overall function. It is important to focus on proper form and start with light weights or resistance bands. Some suitable exercises include:

Leg presses

Seated or standing leg curls

Arm curls

Shoulder presses

Perform 1-3 sets of 10-15 repetitions for each exercise, 2-3 times per week. It is advisable to work with a physical therapist to ensure proper technique and progression.

3. Flexibility and Stretching

Stretching exercises can help improve flexibility, reduce muscle stiffness, and enhance range of motion. Incorporate gentle stretching exercises for major muscle groups, holding each stretch for 15-30 seconds. Yoga or tai chi can also be beneficial for improving flexibility and balance.

4. Balance and Coordination Exercises

Transverse myelitis can affect balance and coordination, so it is important to include exercises that target these areas. Some examples include:

Standing on one leg

Balancing on a wobble board

Using a balance ball

Practicing heel-to-toe walking

Start with support and gradually progress to more challenging exercises as balance improves.

Exercise Intensity

The intensity of exercise should be tailored to individual abilities and limitations. It is important to listen to your body and avoid overexertion. Begin with low to moderate intensity exercises and gradually increase the intensity as tolerated. If any pain, discomfort, or unusual symptoms occur during or after exercise, it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional.

Precautions

While exercise can be beneficial, individuals with transverse myelitis should keep the following precautions in mind:

Avoid high-impact activities that may put excessive stress on the spine and joints.

Use assistive devices or support as needed to ensure safety during exercise.

Stay hydrated and maintain a comfortable temperature during exercise, as heat sensitivity can be a symptom of transverse myelitis.

Take breaks and rest when needed to prevent fatigue.

Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting or modifying an exercise routine.

Conclusion: Exercise can be beneficial for individuals with transverse myelitis, promoting strength, mobility, pain management, cardiovascular health, and overall well-being. However, it is crucial to consult with healthcare professionals and follow personalized recommendations. By incorporating low-impact aerobic exercises, strength training, flexibility exercises, and balance and coordination exercises, individuals with transverse myelitis can safely engage in physical activity to improve their quality of life.

Diseasemaps

Physical therapy is excellent.
Any type of exercise that will help strengthen the muscles that have begun to atrophy.
Aqua therapy helps those that have significant balance issues as it helps with buoyancy. Helps lift weight off of the legs.

Posted Aug 16, 2022 by Transverse Myelitis Folks Blue Crew

Do what feels right as all cases are quite different

Posted Feb 23, 2017 by Nancy 715

Aggressive physical therapy is extremely important throughout once the body has into a place where you were able to use light weights low impact or no impact exercises are helpful to keep the body from atrophy. Also the majority of the time due to the severe pain and fatigue is extremely hard on the body to work out or to have a dress and PT because it also can put you down for days at a time so you have to constantly try and find a balance where you're being aggressive enough to keep the muscles from Decay and atrophy and not too aggressive for the body will rebel and become overwhelmed, weakened and in further pain. In addition many people who sustained the spinal cord injury from transverse myelitis experience extreme Bandung in each joint hips knees feet toes fingers neck rib cage. This banding feels as though you're being severed by rubber band or like a tourniquet is squeezing the air from your lungs. Exercise can often cause the body to react in this way but becoming sedentary and not being aggressive is very detrimental. What is unfortunate in the state I live in I am on Medicaid Ramada table only cover eight sessions or 24 units of 15 minutes peace therefore after 8 sessions I use them also the ear so it doesn't give me the ability to recover the way that I need to recover I have to have caregivers do the exercises at home with me I also have an aide go to the pool and do water Aqua therapy with me which is very helpful because there's zero impact no gravity to contend with and therefore typically a safer better way to work out however in saying that some including myself experienced extreme nervous system convulsions in the water temperature changes can be very hard depending on the legion area of the spine almost everyone who has transverse myelitis will struggle with sinsation of temperature as well as the ability to decipher temperature and to regulate temperature with throughout the body exercise can help the blood to circulate however many times for myself I realize by someone else touching me I could be six or seven different temperatures just in one leg. Extreme sensitivity to heat is also usually present there for warm water closer to the body's actual body temperature seems to be the best for aqua therapy and exercise as well as a safe environment to stretch and to relax.

Posted Feb 23, 2017 by Jen 1001

Everybody condition is different and this also applies to exercise. Listen to your body and stop when you get tired - there's no prize for pushing though the " burn" ! Just getting up and dressed might be all you could manage in a dsy

Posted Feb 23, 2017 by Cathy 1000

Initially, sufferers may have issues with balance and referral to a neuro physio is essential to help regain this with simple exercises to help the brain relearn where the body's centre of gravity is.
Other simple exercises to help the body normalise may be prescribed.
After the body has recovered from the inflammatory stage there may be muscle weakness, however it is important that the body does not try to compensate for weakness in one area by developing other muscles as this could cause more pain in the future.

In the UK neuro physiotherapy may be difficult to access, however the TM society to offer bursaries to help sufferers access a physio.

Posted May 17, 2017 by Marella Cairns 1050

Yes you should absolutely excersize. I recommend low impact activities. Swimming, bicycling, walking and light weightlifting.

Posted May 17, 2017 by Justin 1152

You should exercise but be careful what you do as fatigue is one of the big issues you will face, do what you can & in this case, when it hurts, stop, know your limits as once you go past it really hurts. Pilates, yoga & swimming are good as long as you remember not to push too hard.

Posted Jul 24, 2017 by Hagen 2730

Everyone can be helped with exercise but it's important to not over do it

Posted Jul 25, 2017 by Mindy 2000

Yes. Depending of level of injury.

Stretching of the affected limbs is important to avoid atrophy. Some weight bearing is advisable with assitance or assistive devices such as standing frames or leg braces.

Upper body strengthening is priority to assist with independance for transferring in and out of wheelchair from bed to bath and car.

Posted Jul 25, 2017 by Conrad 2200

Absolutely advisable to exercise.. Do any and everything you can. Even if you cant move a certain leg/arm it's good to still stretch them to keep from getting stiff.

Posted Sep 10, 2017 by Amy 600

Stretching is very important. Strength training is also very important, do what your body feels it can do and listen to it when it needs a break. Be mindful of what your body needs.

Posted Sep 29, 2017 by Samantha Bryce 2065

That will depend on your symptoms. I am afraid to exercise in any way that would strengthen my rib cage muscles which would make banding much worse. I walk about 1/4 mile/day. I could sure use some therapy during the long winter months but can't afford it. I have grown fat due to a lack of exercise and poor eating habits. I eat a fairly balanced meal like one out of three days and snack when I am hungry. Also many meds cause weight gain.

Posted Oct 6, 2017 by Chuck 2000

Do whatever excercise you are capable of, and more than usual to keep your fitness levels up, which release adrenalin and endorphins, which will keep you positively charg3d and your physical parts moving. Care should be taken against falls.

Posted Nov 30, 2017 by mikado54mark 3150

Exercise and Transverse Myelitis depends on the severity of the condition. All exercise is worthwhile and the more physically active the better. But many people cannot manage much exercise but physiotherapy is very important and excercise advice for individuals can be obtained from them.

Posted Feb 27, 2018 by Gill 1800

I advise daily physical therapy for about an hour. This should include rebuilding muscles in the legs and feet, but it should also include building upper body and core strength. These are very necessary for both transferring from a wheelchair to another place and balance.

Posted Jun 1, 2018 by Clay Garner 2500

Yes I do exercise it consist of stretching the use of bands and light weights as far as intensity I keep it to a minimum because of the recovery time.

Posted Jun 1, 2021 by Gary 3550

Physical therapy is excellent.
Any type of exercise that will help strengthen the muscles that have begun to atrophy.
Aqua therapy helps those that have significant balance issues as it helps with buoyancy. Helps lift weight off of the legs.

Posted Aug 17, 2022 by Kevin Weilacher 3420

Yes, exercise is good, and might have the benefit of aiding in recovery. The extent of your dysfunction due to TM will be a limiting factor in exercise regimen, but even the smallest exercises you can accomplish are a good idea.

Posted Aug 17, 2022 by gloria_kazan 7450

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Depends on the aftermath. If you can walk, just walking, yoga, tai chi and gymnastics without much effort. Something of apparatus to gain muscle strength.

Posted May 29, 2017 by Adriana E. 2000

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any physical activity for more minimum which means it helps a lot to the circulation and the respiratory system when you have myelitis at the cervical level

Posted May 29, 2017 by Leandro 2200

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Every one knows what are the limitations that has left them with this disease. Make the that you can and you tested as you're feeling. If you can't move around with ease an example of a sport would be swimming

Posted Aug 8, 2017 by Dani 2000

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Only rehabilitation

Posted Nov 8, 2017 by Lorena 3050